Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME)

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 an immediate need for a Technical Subject Matter Expert to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA. Responsibilities SPA seeks passionate and dedicated Subject Matter Experts to engage with the research and development community to tackle complex challenges and help push the limits of technology. Expert’s primary function is to provide technical and programmatic advisory and assistance services to DARPA program managers. Assistance consists of advising on new projects of impactful basic research capabilities, including proposal reviews, site visits, demonstrations, and planning and coordinating work. Expertise required to provide assessments of laboratory and other test results and recommendations to mitigate technical risk and potential program impact of failure. SMEs will be working and communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences and must be able to understand and translate complex technical matter into easily understandable and impact-focused language. Qualifications Required:15+ years of experience in technical, managerial, or scientific fields with expert credentials; recognized as an authority in that field ​10+ years of extensive experience, background, and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs ​Bachelor's degree in a STEM fieldActive Secret clearanceDemonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating workDemonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological disciplineAble to work fully onsite based on client needsDesired:Expertise in fields of Quantum, Optics, Photonics, Physics, Materials, Artificial intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, or Human PerformanceGraduate degree in a STEM field with published articles in field of expertise ​Program Management Professional or equivalent certification ​Prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or SETA contractor, or ​3-5 years supporting DARPA Program Managers on technical projects​Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout​Active Top Secret clearance​ 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. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $180k-$220K 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 $220,000.00/Yr. Job SummaryID: 2026-22124Category: Software, Data Science, Analytics & ModelingSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior