Systems Engineer

Systems 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 Systems Engineer to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture. Will be passionate about advanced R&D with strong communications and presentation skills. The candidate will utilize technical skills to understand the complex problems associated with DARPA programs, while simultaneously providing the necessary management support to execute the day-to-day requirements. Will support periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks; assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Assist with program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, and other program execution operations. Help coordinate performer meetings, assess performer task progress and projected performer outcomes with a program team, and work with a team to ensure project management best practices are followed both at subject performers and within DARPA itself. Support the DARPA PM in strategic analyses, market research, special studies, and road mapping activities for improving planning, processes, and Science and Technology program investments; assist in technology assessments and evaluations. Monitor both the technical and programmatic progress of various performers and keep the program manager abreast of progress through daily communications, monthly reports, and other reports as needed. Assist in preparation and execution of various reviews of programs, gathering technical information and data on progress and accomplishments from the various performers. Liaise with and draft documents for technical PMs, business operations personnel, legal and contractual personnel, and administrative support staff; communicate clearly and effectively complex issues verbally and in writing for senior executive audiences, both inside and outside of (DoD and other agencies representatives) commands. Assist in the planning and execution of conferences, symposia and workshops, steering groups, program reviews, technical meetings, and other events; attend meetings; coordinate with government organizations; organize, coordinate schedules of invitees, host, and coordinate meetings; prepare program presentations. Provide input to draft briefings, and draft letters for the PM, enabling the PM to respond to inquiries related to the relevant programs; prepare briefings, reports, literature reviews, and documents to support the development and approval of new program concepts and technologies.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience
• Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCI
• Interest in technology management, with technical skills to understand the engineering challenges inherent to research efforts and professional desire to support/advise DARPA Program Managers
• Strong organization and communications skills, particularly in briefing preparation to present complex technology to senior leadership
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Able to work fully onsite in Arlington, VA

Desired:

• Master's degree or PhD
• Strong background in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and aircraft performance analysis
• Experience in real-time, 6-DOF air vehicle modeling and simulations
• Proficiency with tools such as ANSYS Fluent, STAR-CCM+, MATLAB, or similar
• Experience with aerodynamics ground testing and flight testing
• 3+ years of experience working with, and strong relationships within the DoW--specifically OSW, USAF, or USN

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: $125k – $145k