Directed Energy 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 War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War (DoW), 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.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the DoW. These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Directed Energy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide onsite support out of the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.

As a Directed Energy SME supporting OUSW(R&E), the candidate will serve as a key advisor to senior DoW leadership, shaping the strategic direction and innovation roadmap for directed energy capabilities. Responsibilities will include providing technical assessments and program evaluations, and advancing research and development in high-energy lasers (HEL), high-powered microwaves (HPM), particle beam systems, and counter-threat technologies such as CWMD, C-UAS, and C-IED applications. Will facilitate collaboration across DoW agencies, academia, industry, and international allies, ensuring alignment of directed energy systems with mission-critical modernization objectives. Additionally, the candidate will develop reports, briefings, and classified products to inform policy decisions and contribute to the execution of BAAs and RFPs to support ongoing and future directed energy projects.

Required:

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• 10+ years of applied experience with Directed Energy systems and technologies, including pure/applied research and program evaluation.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• Proficiency with high-energy lasers (HEL), high-powered microwaves (HPM), particle beam systems, and applications including counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), counter-weapons of mass destruction (CWMD), and counter-improvised explosive devices (C-IED).
• Experience in creating and evaluating technology roadmaps, technical strategies, and program alignment with operational requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to present technical research and findings to senior leadership, policymakers, and multi-stakeholder audiences.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Familiarity with DoW modernization and acquisition processes, including program development funding, rapid prototyping, and testing initiatives.
• Experience within agencies such as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO), or similar operational entities.
• Technical proficiency with modeling and simulation tools for directed energy physics (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB, Zemax).
• Working knowledge of hypersonic vehicle countermeasures and electronic warfare principles.
• Membership in professional organizations such as the Directed Energy Professional Society or the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
• Strong technical writing and reporting skills for creating research documentation, strategy plans, and briefings.
• Collaborative experience with academia, industry leaders, and international allies in advancing directed energy innovation.