Senior Scientist/Aeronautical Engineer

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Senior Scientist - Aeronautical Engineering to provide full-time onsite support in Arlington, VA.

The candidate will support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in addressing scientific and technical frameworks for investments in high-risk, high-reward research and development (R&D) projects, primarily involving aerial flight for crewed and uncrewed craft. Will assist Tactical Technology Office (TTO) leadership and program managers with an emphasis on developing and initiating new efforts, and also in overseeing project execution and transition. Engage in proactive oral and written communication with key stakeholders. Perform as part of a strongly collaborative scientific and technical team, and also act independently to complete time-critical tasks. These include scientific and technical analysis, development of broadly understandable explanatory documentation for deeply technical programs, monitoring of ongoing activities, and reporting to office leadership. This position also includes identifying national security challenges and participating in the development of portfolio-level strategies to address them.

Required:

Active TS/SCI clearance
• MS/MA or PhD in aeronautical engineering, systems engineering with an aircraft focus, or a closely related technical field
• 15 years of relevant experience since BS/BA, including extensive interaction with DARPA, coupled with demonstrated technical expertise in aerial system R&D
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment and attention-to-detail required to advise senior government personnel on major decisions
• Self-starter with the ability to rapidly grasp and prioritize ideas and issues in a broad range of technology areas, incorporate strategic vision and direction from leadership, and generate turnkey presentations suitable for senior executives and flag officers
• Demonstrated ability to communicate program and technical topics by creating high-quality documents and presentations in clear, concise, and compelling terms for both technical and non-technical audiences, with minimal assistance from other staff
• Eagerness to shape novel ideas into program initiation pitches that gain approval from executive leadership to fund and commence highly innovative technical programs
• Demonstrated experience in developing independent conclusions on R&D and engineering issues, planning and coordinating work, and troubleshooting complex technical questions and problems concerning aerial flight
• Proficiency with software suites such as Microsoft 365, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Able to report to client site in Arlington, VA full-time with up to 20% travel based on client needs

Desired:

• Significant knowledge of DARPA gained either as Program Manager, SETA contractor, or project scientist or engineer
• Recognized authority in one or more of the following aviation-related R&D fields: non-traditional systems engineering and design, affordable and scalable manufacturing, rapid acquisition, surging and sustaining novel platforms, and delivery of long-range effects via innovative technologies
• Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise
• An understanding of DoD airworthiness and related certification processes
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout