Systems Engineer

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 an immediate need for a Systems Engineer to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will support the DARPA program manager by leading new technical analysis projects. This includes overseeing contract execution, coordinating and collaborating with Government mission partners, and communicating status/results by preparing and delivering program briefings. The candidate will assist in developing modeling, analysis, and performance-assessment tools to inform technical decisions, evaluate system limiations, and support program execution. Apply technical research, development, and engineering experience across a breadth of applied technical projects. 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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other relevant technical field (mechanical, electrical)
• Active Secret clearance
• 2+ years experience in optical systems engineering
• Strong written and oral communication skills with proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and respond to urgent requests
• Work onsite at DARPA HQ (Arlington, VA) daily
• Travel to support program up to 10% duty factor

Desired:

• Experience with EO/IR remote sensing, space systems, airborne sensing, LiDAR, imaging systems, or related sensor technologies
• Experience planning and supporting demonstrations, test events, data-collection campaigns, and technical evaluations
• Experience building radiometric models, image or signal processing, system modeling, or hardware/software integration
• Familiarity with distributed data processing solutions for scalability and workflows transforming imagery into custom data products

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 $85,000.00/Yr. - USD $115,000.00/Yr. The candidate will support the DARPA program manager by leading new technical analysis projects. This includes overseeing contract execution, coordinating and collaborating with Government mission partners, and communicating status/results by preparing and delivering program briefings. The candidate will assist in developing modeling, analysis, and performance-assessment tools to inform technical decisions, evaluate system limiations, and support program execution. Apply technical research, development, and engineering experience across a breadth of applied technical projects. 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.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or other relevant technical field (mechanical, electrical)
• Active Secret clearance
• 2+ years experience in optical systems engineering
• Strong written and oral communication skills with proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and respond to urgent requests
• Work onsite at DARPA HQ (Arlington, VA) daily
• Travel to support program up to 10% duty factor

Desired:

• Experience with EO/IR remote sensing, space systems, airborne sensing, LiDAR, imaging systems, or related sensor technologies
• Experience planning and supporting demonstrations, test events, data-collection campaigns, and technical evaluations
• Experience building radiometric models, image or signal processing, system modeling, or hardware/software integration
• Familiarity with distributed data processing solutions for scalability and workflows transforming imagery into custom data products