Please note, position is contingent upon award
Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.
The mission of DARPA's Microsystems X Office (MXO) is to ensure the U.S.'s continued technological dominance, both militarily and economically. To do this, MXO pushes today's boundaries in foundational science, going beyond incremental improvements to existing technologies and seeking fundamental scientific breakthroughs that can create new capabilities and reshape entire industries. MXO has three major focus areas that address distinct challenges while also building upon and reinforcing one another: Circuit Development to Enable Next-generation Microsystems (photonic circuits, quantum circuits, and organic circuits), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual-use by Design. Additional information on MXx is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/mxo (https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/mto)
Please note, position is contingent upon award
Amentum is seeking a Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the development and execution of programs and strategy in MXO. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required.
Responsibilities May Include:
Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and proto@type demonstration programs
Providing technical and strategic support and insight to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and government
Support in identifying, developing, and implementing new program concepts
Providing program management and acquisition support
Leveraging knowledge of the full lifecycle of advanced research and development programs, from concept development and requirements definition through prototyping, testing, evaluation, and transition to operational capability
Identifying and translating requirements into technology research and development objectives
Performing independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses
Providing overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetings
Supporting technical interchange meetings and design reviews
Supporting program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, and test facilities
Author program briefings and technical documentation and reports
Minimum Requirements:
Master of Science degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
At least 20 years of relevant experience
Active Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Uniquely qualifying research, credentials, or education; universally recognized as the expert/authority in a highly specified scientific area
The mature judgement required to advise senior government personnel on complex scientific and technical matters
Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently on R&D engineering problems and methods, in resolving important questions, and planning and coordinating work
Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in a scientific or technological discipline
The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Highly Desired Attributes:
PhD degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological discipline
Active Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain SCI access. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Experience working with DoD stakeholders, combatant commands, and defense industry partners
Experience with basic and applied research and prior experience as a DARPA Program Manager or senior SETA contractor
Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout
Fifteen (15) years of extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
Five (5) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers is highly desirable
Compensation Details:
$175K-$200K
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
Educational reimbursement
Parental leave
Employee stock purchase plan
Tax-saving options
Disability and life insurance
Pet insurance
Note: Benefits may vary based on employment @type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
08/27/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters (https://postings.govdocs.com/#/vxSkbztPuAwwxfs) .
