We have an immediate need for a Principal Technical Advisor to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The Principal Technical Advisor will provide direct support to the DARPA Biological Technologies Office Director (OD). Responsibilities include working closely with the OD on high-priority technical, strategic, and operational matters, while designing and applying AI-enabled approaches that dramatically expand the Front Office's ability to synthesize information, evaluate alternatives, identify patterns, and act with precision. This expertise will augment the Front Office decision making through a combination of technical bredth, strategic insight, and leveraging of advanced AI-enabled analytical tools. The Advisor will provide analytical assessments of emerging science and technology areas, portfolio dynamics, and external developments to support the OD in evaluating opportunities, risks, and strategic choices.
Qualifications
Required
Advanced degree in engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, applied math, or operations research
15+ years of experience
Demonstrated success in advising senior leaders in technically complex, high-consequence environments (senior executives, government leaders, laboratory directors, or R&D portfolio leaders)
Experience using advanced AI tools to accelerate, deepen, and enhance the strategic value of work products.
Experience synthesizing data and utilizing visualization tools to support decision making
Familiarity with AI platforms, large language models, retrieval-augmented workflows, agentic research tools, and AI-assisted analytical environments
Active Secret clearance
Able to report to Arlington, VA to provide full-time onsite support
Desired
PhD
Active TS/SCI clearance
Experience in defense, national security, Federal R&D, FFRDC, UARC, venture-backed deep tech, or similarly complex innovation ecosystems
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 $175,000.00/Yr. - USD $225,000.00/Yr.
The Principal Technical Advisor will provide direct support to the DARPA Biological Technologies Office Director (OD). Responsibilities include working closely with the OD on high-priority technical, strategic, and operational matters, while designing and applying AI-enabled approaches that dramatically expand the Front Office's ability to synthesize information, evaluate alternatives, identify patterns, and act with precision. This expertise will augment the Front Office decision making through a combination of technical bredth, strategic insight, and leveraging of advanced AI-enabled analytical tools. The Advisor will provide analytical assessments of emerging science and technology areas, portfolio dynamics, and external developments to support the OD in evaluating opportunities, risks, and strategic choices.
Required
Advanced degree in engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, applied math, or operations research
15+ years of experience
Demonstrated success in advising senior leaders in technically complex, high-consequence environments (senior executives, government leaders, laboratory directors, or R&D portfolio leaders)
Experience using advanced AI tools to accelerate, deepen, and enhance the strategic value of work products.
Experience synthesizing data and utilizing visualization tools to support decision making
Familiarity with AI platforms, large language models, retrieval-augmented workflows, agentic research tools, and AI-assisted analytical environments
Active Secret clearance
Able to report to Arlington, VA to provide full-time onsite support
Desired
PhD
Active TS/SCI clearance
Experience in defense, national security, Federal R&D, FFRDC, UARC, venture-backed deep tech, or similarly complex innovation ecosystems