Senior Scientist - Quantum (Arlington)

Overview

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 a near-term need for a Senior Scientist - Photonics to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

SPA is searching for senior technical personnel to provide support for the successful execution of existing and new programs and related technologies in the following areas: optics, photonics, physics, materials, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), mathematics engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related efforts. These disciplines are applied to the following technical thrust areas: Photonic Circuits (PCs), Quantum Circuits (QCs), Organic Circuits (OCs), and Unconventional Computing. Specifically, SPA is interested in a candidate with senior-level experience in progressively more difficult levels in planning and developing technical projects of a research and development nature, concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on major Department of War (DOW) programs. Apply demonstrated skill in conceiving, planning, and conducting research in problem areas of considerable scope and complexity requiring unconventional or novel approaches and sophisticated research techniques. Independently conduct the appropriate analysis to offer recommendations, solutions, and alternatives to resolve complex R&D issues, concerns, problems, or methods in areas related to Agency Technical Offices. Apply demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles within technical organizations and providing strategic scientific guidance on cutting-edge research initiatives.

Qualifications

Required:Masters degree in a scientific or technical field15+ years of experience with supporting the DoW in optics, photonics, physics, materials, AI/ML, mathematics engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related effortsActive Secret clearance Extensive published articles in Field of Expertise with demonstrated international recognition and thought leadership within the scientific communityStrong oral and written communication skills required to advise senior government personnel and present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiencesAble to work fully onsite based on client needsAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $180K-$230K

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $180,000.00/Yr. - USD $230,000.00/Yr.

Job SummaryID: 2026-22585Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: SecretType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior