Optical Scientist
Listed on 2026-02-06
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Research Scientist
Overview
Job Title:
Optical Scientist
Location:
Arlington, VA
Eligibility:
Candidate must possess an active TS/SCI clearance
The successful candidate will support the DARPA program manager by participating in or leading all activities in project management, technical and programmatic risk analysis, and program-funded test coordination. The candidate will also be responsible for coordinating meetings, assessing performer technical progress, projecting performer outcomes, and ensuring that project management best practices are followed by performers, independent verification and validation (IV&V) entities funded by DARPA, and within DARPA itself.
The ideal candidate’s specific areas of interest and knowledge should include experience conducting research in free-space optics or photonics.
Responsibilities- Take part in periodic performer assessments to analyze program, technical and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; communicate findings to program manager
- Technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications
- Presentation and report preparation
- Support further research solicitations and proposal evaluations
- Program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews.
- Attend and organize program reviews/site visits/field tests.
- Doctorate, Master’s Degree with three years, or Bachelor’s and five years of relevant experience studying optics or photonics.
- Prior photonics or free-space optics research experience.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
- Knowledge of materials, optical modelling, fabrication, design, and optical communication methods is highly beneficial
- Demonstrated ability to learn new subjects and gain rapid insights into current and next generation research topics.
- Willingness to commute to Ballston, VA
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills - both written and oral
- Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and respond to quick turn-around requests
- Flexible and readily adaptable to change
- Current TS/SCI clearance, strongly preferred
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