We have an immediate need for a Technical Lead to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
The Technical Lead will act as the DARPA Program Manager's primary advisor for technical rigor, integration, and portfolio coherence. The Lead will provide independent technical assessment across all programs to ensure alignment with PM intent and agency priorities. The Lead will evaluate technical risk, maturity, feasibility, and transition potential across the portfolio. Translate technical complexity into decision-ready options, tradeoffs, and recommendations for the PM. Surface risks early with recommended courses of action, and escalate issues requiring PM judgment. Additonally, the candidate will be responsible for portfolio integration across programs, and engage with senior stakeholders and performers.
Qualifications
Required
PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field).
15+ years of progressively responsible experience in biomedical research, technical program management, and/or science and technology policy, including significant experience in the Federal government, DoD, or DARPA environments.
Demonstrated experience providing senior technical and strategic advisory support to government program managers or senior leadership in a science and technology (S&T) organization.
Proven track record of leading and integrating complex technical portfolios—including program formulation, technical evaluation, and cross-program integration—within a high-tempo, multi-stakeholder environment.
Extensive experience in technical writing, briefing, and communication, including the ability to distill and present complex scientific and technical concepts to both expert and non-expert audiences.
Experience managing and mentoring technical teams, including task delegation, onboarding, and process improvement.
Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with senior government, interagency, and external stakeholders (e.g., FDA, DoD, DARPA, NIH, academic and industry partners) on technical, policy, and programmatic matters.
Experience with Federal acquisition and program management processes, including familiarity with OTA, FAR/DFARS, and cooperative agreements.
Recognized subject matter expertise in biomedical research, medical countermeasures, or related technical domains.
Active TS/SCI clearance.
Able to report to Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needs.
Desired
Prior experience as a senior technical advisor, chief of staff, or technical portfolio lead in a DARPA, DoD, or equivalent S&T organization.
Experience supporting or leading program formulation, BAA development, and technical evaluation panels.
Experience with regulatory science, medical product development, or medical countermeasure policy.
Demonstrated record of scientific publication, patenting, or recognized technical achievement.
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 $158,000.00/Yr. - USD $198,000.00/Yr.
The Technical Lead will act as the DARPA Program Manager's primary advisor for technical rigor, integration, and portfolio coherence. The Lead will provide independent technical assessment across all programs to ensure alignment with PM intent and agency priorities. The Lead will evaluate technical risk, maturity, feasibility, and transition potential across the portfolio. Translate technical complexity into decision-ready options, tradeoffs, and recommendations for the PM. Surface risks early with recommended courses of action, and escalate issues requiring PM judgment. Additonally, the candidate will be responsible for portfolio integration across programs, and engage with senior stakeholders and performers.
Required
PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline (e.g., Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or related field).
15+ years of progressively responsible experience in biomedical research, technical program management, and/or science and technology policy, including significant experience in the Federal government, DoD, or DARPA environments.
Demonstrated experience providing senior technical and strategic advisory support to government program managers or senior leadership in a science and technology (S&T) organization.
Proven track record of leading and integrating complex technical portfolios—including program formulation, technical evaluation, and cross-program integration—within a high-tempo, multi-stakeholder environment.
Extensive experience in technical writing, briefing, and communication, including the ability to distill and present complex scientific and technical concepts to both expert and non-expert audiences.
Experience managing and mentoring technical teams, including task delegation, onboarding, and process improvement.
Demonstrated ability to engage and coordinate with senior government, interagency, and external stakeholders (e.g., FDA, DoD, DARPA, NIH, academic and industry partners) on technical, policy, and programmatic matters.
Experience with Federal acquisition and program management processes, including familiarity with OTA, FAR/DFARS, and cooperative agreements.
Recognized subject matter expertise in biomedical research, medical countermeasures, or related technical domains.
Active TS/SCI clearance.
Able to report to Arlington, VA up to full-time based upon client needs.
Desired
Prior experience as a senior technical advisor, chief of staff, or technical portfolio lead in a DARPA, DoD, or equivalent S&T organization.
Experience supporting or leading program formulation, BAA development, and technical evaluation panels.
Experience with regulatory science, medical product development, or medical countermeasure policy.
Demonstrated record of scientific publication, patenting, or recognized technical achievement.
