Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist

DEFTEC delivers mission-critical solutions through skillfully delivered services and innovative products. Our clients' critical missions inspire us and are driven to provide the most effective solutions to execute their missions, operational challenges, and requirements. Our dedicated, experienced, and talented employees work closely with our clients to ensure the delivery of exceptional services and products.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Our Senior Scientist 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.

This is an on-site position in Arlington, VA. Up to 20% travel may be required.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Tactical Technology Office (TTO) executive leadership and program managers in developing and initiating new efforts and in overseeing subsequent project execution and transition.
• A key element of this is proactive written and oral communication with key stakeholders.
• Function as part of a strongly collaborative scientific and technical team and act independently to complete time-critical tasks.
• Tasks include scientific and technical analysis, developing broadly understandable explanatory documentation for deeply technical programs, monitoring ongoing research and development programs, and reporting to office leadership.
• Identify national security challenges and participate in the development of portfolio-level strategies to address them.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in developing independent conclusions on R&D and engineering issues, resolving important questions, planning and coordinating work, and troubleshooting complex technical problems
• 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
• An MS/MA degree in a technical field (engineering, math, sciences) with 15 years of relevant experience since BS/BA, including extensive interaction with DARPA, coupled with expert credentials or being a recognized technical authority
• S. Citizen with active TS//SCI clearance and eligible for Special Access Programs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment and attention to detail required to advise senior government personnel
• Self-starter with the ability to rapidly grasp ideas and issues in a broad range of technology areas, incorporate strategic vision and direction from leadership, and develop turnkey presentations suitable for DoD senior executives and flag officers
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency with modern PC computer system and applications such as Microsoft 365, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

• D. in a technical field with 15 years relevant experience since BS/BA
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
• Experience as a DARPA Program Manager, SETA contractor at DARPA, or scientist or engineer on a DARPA project or program to include at least ten years experience
• Being a recognized authority in one or more aspects of military platform innovation, missionized autonomy, innovative methods of design space exploration and systems engineering, and/or affordable and responsive manufacturing techniques
• Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise

DEFTEC offers a comprehensive whole life benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, holiday, paid time off, life insurance, short/long term disability, and educational reimbursement. DEFTEC also matches 401k contributions dollar for dollar up to 3% of employee's income and an additional $0.50 for every dollar between 4-5% of employee's income. The DEFTEC team is comprised of professionals who make a difference every day in crucial missions related to national security. Our leadership knows that this happens by employing a diverse team who is well taken care of. Our employees are our top priority making DEFTEC an ideal place to work.