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# Hardware Systems Functional Expert

- **Company:** Systems, Inc
- **Location:** Arlington, VA, United States
- **Salary:** $220,000.0 - $270,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, SC Clearance
- **Published:** September 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/86910841/1

## About the Role

* Masters degree in a scientific or technical field
 * 12+ years of experience with supporting the DoW in optics, photonics, physics, materials, AI/ML, mathematics engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related efforts
 * Active Secret clearance
 * Strong oral and written communication skills required to advise senior government personnel and present complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences
 * Ability to be onsite in Arlington, VA five days a week

## Description

SPA is searching for senior technical personnel to provide support for the successful execution of existing and new programs, and related technologies in the following areas: optics, photonics, physics, materials, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), mathematics engineering, quantum, chemistry, biology, and/or other scientific disciplines and related efforts. These disciplines are applied to the following technical thrust areas: Photonic Circuits (PCs), Quantum Circuits (QCs), Organic Circuits (OCs), and Unconventional Computing. Specifically, SPA is interested in a senior program management professional with regulatory compliance authority and demonstrated leadership in complex R&D environments. Will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all task order personnel while maintaining fiscal integrity and operational efficiency. Apply proven experience managing large-scale defense R&D contracts with the ability to oversee multiple technical teams and stakeholder
relationships. Apply expertise in conceiving and conducting oversight of complex research programs requiring unconventional approaches. Implement independent decision-making capability on complex R&D engineering problems across multiple technical disciplines.


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