Technical SETA

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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, SPA is known for continuous innovation for its government customers, both in 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 a clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. SPA:
Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Joint Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID offers a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help its customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enable and execute a strategy of technological superiority and to deliver and sustain secure, resilient, and pre‑eminent 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 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.

This ensures U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near‑term need for a Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

The candidate will apply a strong technical background and a proactive attitude in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). They will be motivated to learn or already understand DARPA processes, procedures, and culture, and 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 providing the necessary management support to execute day‑to‑day requirements.

Responsibilities include supporting periodic performer assessments, analyzing programmatic, technical, and schedule risks, assisting in developing risk mitigation strategies, and communicating findings to the Program Manager. Additional duties involve 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. The candidate will help coordinate performer meetings, assess task progress and projected outcomes, and work with a team to ensure project management best practices are followed.

They will support the DARPA PM in strategic analyses, market research, special studies, and road‑mapping activities, assist in technology assessments and evaluations, monitor technical and programmatic progress, prepare and execute various program reviews, draft documents for technical PMs and other stakeholders, and assist in planning and executing conferences, symposia, workshops, steering groups, and other events. They will also provide input to draft briefings, letters, reports, literature reviews, and documents to support new program concepts and technologies.

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline
• 5+ years of experience
• Active DoD Secret clearance and eligible for TS/SCI
• Interest in technology management, with technical skills to understand engineering challenges inherent to research efforts and a professional desire to support DARPA Program Managers
• Strong organization and communication 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

• Master's degree or PhD
• 5+ years of experience providing technical and/or cost analysis
• 3+ years of experience in a Research and Development organization or role
• 3+ years of experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD), specifically OSD, USAF, or USN

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Defense and Space Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, and Armed Forces

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