Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist-Aeronautical Engineer Arlington, VA DEFTEC delivers mission-critical solutions through skillfully delivered services and innovative products. Our clients' critical missions inspire us and are driven to provide the most effective solutions to execute their missions, operational challenges, and requirements. Our dedicated, experienced, and talented employees work closely with our clients to ensure the delivery of exceptional services and products. Position Overview The candidate will support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in addressing scientific and technical frameworks for investments in high-risk, high-reward research and development (R&D) projects, primarily involving aerial flight for crewed and uncrewed craft. This is a full-time on-site position in Arlington, VA. Up to 20% travel may be required. Job Responsibilities Assist Tactical Technology Office (TTO) leadership and program managers with an emphasis on developing and initiating new efforts Over project execution and transition. Identify national security challenges and participating in the development of portfolio-level strategies to address them. Perform scientific and technical analysis, development of broadly understandable explanatory documentation Collaborate with scientific and technical team. Proactive oral and written communication with key stakeholders. Act independently to complete time-critical tasks, to include conducting scientific and technical analysis, develop broadly understandable explanatory documentation for deeply technical programs, monitor ongoing activities, and report to office leadership. Required Qualifications Active TS SCI clearance An MS/MA or Ph.D. in aeronautical engineering, systems engineering with an aircraft focus, or a closely related technical field with 15 years of relevant experience since BS/BA, including extensive interaction with DARPA, coupled with demonstrated technical expertise in aerial system R&D Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the mature judgment and attention to detail required to advise senior government personnel on major decisions Self-starter with the ability to rapidly grasp and prioritize ideas and issues in a broad range of technology areas, incorporate strategic vision and direction from leadership, and generate turnkey presentations suitable for senior executives and flag officers Demonstrated ability to communicate program and technical topics by creating high-quality documents and presentations in clear, concise and compelling terms for both technical and non-technical audiences, with minimal assistance from other staff Eagerness to shape novel ideas into program initiation pitches that gain approval from executive leadership to fund and commence highly innovative technical programs Demonstrated experience in developing independent conclusions on R&D and engineering issues, planning and coordinating work, and troubleshooting complex technical questions and problems concerning aerial flight Proficiency with software suites such as Microsoft 365, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel Preferred Qualifications Significant knowledge of DARPA gained either as Program Manager, SETA contractor, or project scientist or engineer Being a recognized authority in one or more of the following aviation-related R&D fields: non-traditional systems engineering and design, affordable and scalable manufacturing, rapid acquisition, surging and sustaining novel platforms, and delivery of long-range effects via innovative technologies Published articles in a field of scientific, engineering, or technical expertise An understanding of DoD airworthiness and related certification processes Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout DEFTEC offers a comprehensive whole life benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, holiday, paid time off, life insurance, short/long term disability, and educational reimbursement. DEFTEC also matches 401k contributions dollar for dollar up to 3% of employee's income and an additional $0.50 for every dollar between 4-5% of employee's income. The DEFTEC team is comprised of professionals who make a difference every day in crucial missions related to national security. Our leadership knows that this happens by employing a diverse team who is well taken care of. Our employees are our top priority making DEFTEC an ideal place to work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Please contact if you require reasonable accommodations. DEFTEC is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. AAP/EEO Statement DEFTEC Corp is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any typeon the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeedingand medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding),gender, gender identity, and gender expression, religious creed,disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics ), genetic information, age, marital status, civil union status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, denial of family and medical care leave, arrest record and/or any other characteristic(s) protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms of employment includingrecruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.