Embedded Systems and Technical SETA

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, SPA is known for continuous innovation for its government customers in the US and abroad.

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, offering a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities that help 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 sustain secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities for the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. The team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts evaluates military problems, identifies drivers, devises innovative approaches, collects applicable data, develops software tools, and performs timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions, ensuring U.S. military forces retain superiority.

We have an immediate need for an Embedded Systems and Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

The candidate will perform technology management support of research efforts involving software and hardware platform research and assessment, integration, testing, prototype development, and transition of systems for secure multi-node processing. The role includes providing expert technical advice and guidance to DARPA regarding all aspects of secure, multi-domain computing systems and executing new concept and program development with government principals. Responsibilities also involve exploring current state-of-the-art and technical feasibility of new concepts, supporting DoD research programs in technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and leading technical meetings with performers.

The position requires support of testing and evaluation of DoD applied research and advanced technology development of cybersecurity technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment, and direct engagement with government transition partners within the DoD and Intelligence Community.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of relevant experience in embedded hardware development, embedded systems programming, cybersecurity, and/or computer engineering
• Active Top Secret clearance
• Substantial experience in cybersecurity as applied to embedded hardware systems (e.g., mobile and non-telecom devices, IoT, and related military and intelligence type equipment)
• Experience with secure Execution Environments (e.g., TEEs, TPMs) on embedded devices
• Test & Evaluation experience in cybersecurity red‑teaming, including counter‑intel style qualitative assessment and demonstrated ability to analyze systems for design and security flaws
• Ability to work with little oversight to achieve team goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• A high degree of initiative, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability
• Familiarity with general systems engineering principles for complex systems development
• Ready to report to Arlington, VA full‑time in a SCIF environment, based upon client needs

• Graduate/Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• Experience with reverse engineering, vulnerability research, offensive cyber, and defense cyber methods for embedded systems
• Experience in testbed development and use for mixed real/virtual (Live Virtual Constructive) systems
• Experience in test & evaluation operations planning and execution, including test planning, infrastructure, execution, documentation, and travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations
• Experience operating in complex, contested, non‑benign environments
• Experience with clandestine or covert operations
• Experience with cyber operations
• Experience with Telecommunications operators and a wide variety of systems
• Experience working with Special Access Programs (SAPs) / CAPs
• Experience with Agile development methodologies

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience, qualifications, market, and business considerations, and pay parity.

Salary transparency pay range: $170k-$220K