Physical Scientist - Radiation Detector SME

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of Combatant Commands (CCMDs) and transitioning these technologies to military services CCMDs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

We have an immediate need for a Radiation Detection SME to provide onsite support out of Lorton, VA.

The candidate will provide support to DTRA Nuclear Technologies (NT) Department with emphasis on Nuclear Detection (NTD). NTD's mission is to research, develop, evaluate, and transition capabilities to enable the Joint Force to detect, deter, monitor, characterize, and track nuclear threats in order to operate decisively in conflict, competition, and crisis scenarios. The candidate will serve as a technical/scientific resource on nuclear detection projects with primary focus on, but not limited to, ionizing radiation detection capabilities. Analyze problems and apply theoretical techniques to develop solutions associated with detection of radiation/nuclear hazards and threats. Work on advanced, complex technical projects and concepts associated with the integration of radiation detection capabilities within DoD concepts (i.e., Integrated Early Warning, Joint All Domain Command and Control, Conventional Nuclear Integration, Integrated Sensor Architecture, etc.). Assist in the analysis of T&E plans, completed reports, comparative analysis of systems, and provide recommendations based on system performance and reporting. May also include assistance in the development of radiation test standards or test approaches. Provide technical and operational recommendations based on written performing contractor reports and in-person demonstrations. Provide technical documentation and presentations to explain the approach, associated assumptions, and conclusions of scientific investigations related to nuclear/radiation detection capabilities.

10-25% travel required.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or related field
• 8 years of related experience in an engineering or scientific function, including research with at least 2.5 years of experience working on DTRA R&D programs
• Proven success in nuclear engineering and radiation detection programs or projects
• Able to work independently and complete tasking with minimum guidance and supervision
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and use of Teams
• Able to brief senior government officials, Flag and General Officers, and Senior Executives
• Proven experience leading a team comprised of more than 5 members
• Able to translate technical details from developers and provide recommendations to ensure performers provide deliverables per contract requirements to support military end users within budgetary constraints while minimizing programmatic delays
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:

• Master's or PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or related scientific field, and more than 10 years related experience in an engineering or scientific function, including research
• Working knowledge of ionizing radiation, detection R&D, and current battlefield equipment, and/or understanding of T&E and acquisition
• Project Management experience