Join our team as a SETA Technical Advisor and provide critical Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance to a government Program Manager within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO). In this role, you will leverage your deep technical expertise to support the development and execution of a portfolio of high-impact R&D programs focused on enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of our nation's warfighting capabilities.
You will serve as a trusted subject matter expert, offering analysis, advice, and direct support to the government PM. You will assist in overseeing complex R&D programs valued at $10M-$30M+, helping to manage technical uncertainty, align stakeholders, and ensure program milestones are met on the path toward operational deployment.
Responsibilities
As a SETA Technical Advisor, you will be responsible for the following:
- Programmatic Support: Assist the government Program Manager in the planning, development, and oversight of a portfolio of high-risk R&D programs aimed at creating next-generation secure devices and systems.
- Technical Analysis & Oversight: Provide independent technical assessment of performer progress, review deliverables, and offer expert analysis and recommendations on technical approaches and challenges.
- Portfolio Support: Support the Program Manager in tracking contract milestones, budget, and schedule performance. Assist in the review of monthly cost/schedule data (EVMS) to help identify variances and formulate corrective action plans.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitate technical discussions and coordinate between the Program Manager, performers, and military stakeholders to ensure alignment and clear communication. Prepare briefings and analysis for government leadership.
- Technology Transition Support: Assist the Program Manager in developing and managing technology transition roadmaps, ensuring that prototype validation activities align with long-term production and deployment goals.
- Risk Assessment: Perform independent risk assessments of technical and programmatic plans. Conduct structured root cause analysis of complex issues and provide the Program Manager with recommended mitigation strategies.
- Acquisition Support: Support the Program Manager in developing acquisition documents, including Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) solicitations. Assist in the technical evaluation of proposals and ROMs.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Active Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance.
- Master's degree in a technical field, such as Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in R&D program management or high-level technical support, preferably in the defense sector.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Deep technical expertise and experience providing analysis and advice in one or more of the following areas:
- High-Risk R&D Programs
- Secure Hardware & Edge Compute Systems
- System Deployment & Transition Planning
- EVMS & Cost/Schedule Analysis
- OTA & Non-Traditional Acquisition
- Technical Risk Assessment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to provide objective, data-driven decision support to government customers and senior leaders.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience in a SETA or advisory role supporting a government Program Manager, particularly at DARPA.
- Demonstrated success supporting large-scale government programs ($30M+) from design through qualification and deployment readiness.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to analyze complex problems and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.
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