Sr. Scientist SME - Photonics

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 Sr. Scientist SME-Photonics to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA. Responsibilities We are seeking 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, DARPA is interested in a candidate with uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education, and is universally recognized as the expert/authority in a highly specified area. Qualifications Required:Masters degree in one of the above technical fields20+ years’ experienceActive 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 disciplineMature judgement required to advise senior government personnel; strong oral and written communication skillsAble to work fully onsite based on client needsDesired:Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a government technical Program Manager or senior SETAExperience managing R&D programs form inception to closeoutAt 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: $200K-$250K 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 $200,000.00/Yr. - USD $250,000.00/Yr. Job SummaryID: 2026-22587Category: Engineering & Technical ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: SecretType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior