DARPA – Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Senior Science Advisor
Arlington, TX - USA
Job Summary
*** 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 DARPAs Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) is to ensure the U.S.s continued technological dominance both militarily and economically. To do this MTO pushes todays 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. MTO has three major focus areas that address distinct challenges but also build upon and reinforce 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 MTO is available here: Please note position is contingent upon award ***
Amentum is seeking a Senior Science Advisor to support the development and execution of programs and strategy in MTO. 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. Annual salary ranges between $175K-$250K depending on qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities May Include:
Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology research and prototype 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:
PhD degree in a relevant engineering scientific or technological discipline
At least 18 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 with strategic implications
Demonstrated experience in executive-level scientific advisory roles with ability to translate complex scientific concepts into strategic recommendations for senior leadership
Demonstrated ability to independently conduct the most sophisticated analysis to offer strategic recommendations solutions and alternatives to resolve complex R&D issues concerns problems or methods in areas related to MTO
Demonstrated experience providing scientific counsel at the highest levels of government and research organizations
Extensive published articles in field of expertise with demonstrated international recognition and thought leadership within the scientific community
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:
Active Top Secret security clearance with 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
Fifteen (15) years extensive experience background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programs
Ten (10) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers is highly desirable
Compensation Details:
$175K-$250K
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-OHara Service Contract Act (SCA) or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
04/22/2026 - Until FilledAmentum 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 atLabor Laws Posters.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
AMENTUM has an immediate opening for a Logistics Operations Center Analyst II USC in Kuwait.Performs mission/resource analysis coordinates with supply, maintenance and transportation functional areas and ensures supporting requirements and implied tasks are accomplished to standard an ... View more