Program Analyst Lead

OverviewSystems 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 Program Analyst Lead to provide onsite support for DARPA in Arlington, VA.ResponsibilitiesThe candidate will apply a technical or military 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 support periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks and communicate findings to the Program Manager. 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. 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 both verbally and in writing for senior executive audiences, both inside and outside of the DoW. Assist in the planning and execution of conferences, symposia and workshops, steering groups, program reviews, technical meetings, and other events. 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. This is a full-time position in Arlington, VA. Up to 15% travel may be required.QualificationsRequired:Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. May substitute a non-technical degree with demonstrated technical acumen.5+ years of experienceActive DoW Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCIExcellent oral and written communication skills, with mature judgment and attention to detail Self-starter with the 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 staffProficiency with software suites such as Microsoft 365, Word, PowerPoint, and ExcelAble to report to DARPA (Arlington, VA) up to full-time based upon client needsDesired:Active DoW TS/SCI clearance Experience with the DoW or military ecosystemExperience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout An MBA or MS in a STEM field.Pay Range InformationAt 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 $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $170,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23190Category: Program & Project Management, Financial and Contract SupportSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Mid-level