Sr. Scientist Engineer (#22-081 Clearance Desired) ...

Strategic Analysis, Inc. (SA) is seeking a Sr. Scientist Engineer to provide technical support to the OpTIm program in the Defense Sciences Office at The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).SA is an industry-leading government professional services firm that excels in providing innovative solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow. We offer competitive benefits, as well as training and career growth opportunities for our employees. Our family culture of respect and support for our employees, as we deliver operational excellence and mission solutions, has been the driving force behind our success. SA was recently named a Best Place to Work by Arlington Magazine and we hope you will join the growing SA family. Qualifications Specific Technical Skills: TO Staff Scientist to support OpTIm (Optomechanical Thermal Imaging).The successful candidate will support the OpTIm program manager with specific focus on technical project management and execution; generating, maintaining and executing integrated master schedules for the program; generating and updating predictive (waterfall) program-wide technical risk analysis models; and support the coordination and execution of program-funded testing. The candidate will also assess individual performer risks, track performer progress relative to plan, project anticipated performer outcomes and ensure that project management best practices are followed at performers, within the independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities funded by DARPA, and within DARPA itself. It is required that the candidate have received training as Project Management Professional (PMP) and demonstrated the ability to manage complex project assignments from infancy to completion. Although formal PMP certification is favorable, it is not required. It is required that the candidate possess a thorough understanding of the current state-of-art in Optomechanics and Optomechanical/Nanomechanical Sensors. Specifically, fundamental knowledge in the design, fabrication, characterization and use of micro- or nanoscale optomechanical systems (e.g. silicon nitride, silicon carbide, diamond thin films, graphene etc.); Optical interferometry and related techniques of measurement including analysis of shot-noise limits, homodyne or heterodyne measurements, noise estimation techniques etc.; Photodetection, Bolometry and other IR detection techniques and their current state-of-art is highly desirable. Additionally, experience or familiarity with metamaterials, systems integration of MEMS- or MEMS-based sensor arrays, and electronics (e.g. Phase-locked loops, feedback circuit analysis, etc.) is desirable. Exemplary candidates will also have demonstrated an ability to learn new subjects and gain rapid insights into current and next generation research topics, preferably with hands-on leadership of research programs at the performer level. Preferred experience: * Demonstrated project management expertise, with at least 5 years following program management best practices in a research environment, preferably as a project lead * Expertise and strong interest in the above technical areas * Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar areas needed to broadly support the PM''s portfolio of programs in Quantum sensing, Metrology and Optomechanics. * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Project * Demonstrated attention to detail * Excellent communication skills - both written (to include PowerPoint) and oral * Self-starter who is willing to both take the lead and provide support in a team role in a complex, fast-paced, cross-disciplinary work environment * Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and respond to quick turn-around requests * Flexible and readily adaptable to change * Previous experience with experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical (AMO) Physics, Optomechanics, or Infrared Science. Job duties include: * Lead technical analyses of OpTIm research results, interfacing between performers, IV&V and DARPA teams. * Lead periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze program, technical and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; communicate findings to program manager. * Technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications. * Presentation and report preparation. * Support further research solicitation and proposal evaluations activities associated with Infrared (IR) detection, Sensing and Thermal imaging. * Program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews. * Stakeholder engagement, including infrared imaging and detection programs across the various DoD agencies and services. * Interagency engagement, including coordination activities with the DoD, DoE, and other agencies including potentially international partnerships. * Attending and organizing program reviews and site visits. You will be required to adhere to all COVID guidelines and regulations in place for any location where you will perform work. These guidelines and regulations may change over time or may be different for each location so you will be need to stay up to date on these changes and differences during your employment. SA is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Plan employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Created: 2025-11-15