Physical Scientist 2

Firebird AST is seeking an onsite Physical Scientist 2 supporting our government client. Candidate will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for the DTRA RD Nuclear Technologies (NT) Department within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) with emphasis on nuclear weapons effects and modeling of those effects. The candidate will work in the Nuclear Technologies Effects (NTE) Division. Travel is required (10% to 25%). RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as a SME to direct innovative research in modeling higher-order effects from low-altitude nuclear detonations. Present scientific and engineering principles supporting proposed research and development. Summarize and assess research proposals. Analyze technical approaches to meeting operational requirements for nuclear effects targeting and filling capability gaps, and develop research strategy to close these gaps. Support development of program plans for nuclear effects technology areas. Actively engage and assist with the Divisions research performed by national labs, academia, and industry. Provide technical advice to other related programs inside and, when appropriate, outside the Division. Collaborate, advise, and support the projects of the program managers. Direct research, as needed, to improve the capability of U.S. DoD to analyze the consequences of a low-altitude nuclear detonation. Participate in interagency meetings; lead meetings as required. Assist the Nuclear Effects Division Chief with programmatics and administration. REQUIRED At least 2 years of experience in nuclear, engineering, science, CBRN or WMD R&D programs. Demonstrated physical science research and development experience; experience in nuclear research, or electrical engineering. Must be able to work independently and complete tasking with minimum guidance and supervision. PREFERRED MS or Ph.D. in EE or related scientific, mathematics or engineering field. If EE degree, has work experience in nuclear technology and survivability. Working knowledge of nuclear weapons effects and wargaming. Knowledge of nuclear weapons delivery systems, nuclear survivability, or related warfare systems. Knowledge of modeling and simulation, software development. Experience in nuclear, chemical and biological defense as part of a DoD research and development enterprise. Experience with or knowledge of the DoD acquisition policies. Familiarity with scientific program development, planning, programming and reporting. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical journals, reports, policy, legal documents, etc. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to prepare reports and presentations to company management and customer(s) Demonstrated leadership ability, strategic and innovative thinker, and passion for the mission. Ability to identify and solve problems. Excellent organization and time management skills. EDUCATION BS in EE, Physics, Mathematics, Physical Science or related engineering field. EE highly preferred. CLEARANCE DoD Secret level clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI. About Firebird AST: Firebird AST is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) based in Northern Virginia and a market-recognized leader within the IC, Department of Defense, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement. We maintain a corporate culture deeply rooted in the US Military core values that gave us our start - honor, integrity, commitment, and selfless service. For this reason, our customers'' needs and missions always comes first. We seek hard working, highly experienced, extremely motivated, professionally proven subject matter experts, trainers, leaders, innovators, and technical experts to serve on our team. Firebird AST has a firm understanding that our employees are our greatest asset and that, accordingly, they are to be provided the greatest level of respect and care possible. Firebird AST is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Created: 2025-11-15