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Jobs · Accounting · Virginia

DARPA TTO Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Architecture Development Lead

Amentum · Arlington, VA · 1 mo ago
On-siteAccountingFull-time

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to top U.S. government agencies, including DARPA, NASA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community. This role supports DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office (TTO), which focuses on reimagining military hardware design, development, test, manufacture, and sustainment for rapid, affordable, and scalable deployment. TTO aims to demonstrate compelling hardware at the smallest scale with designs that reduce risk and cost while enabling responsive and affordable manufacturing.

About the role

The position involves providing technical support and independent assessments to Government Program Managers (PMs) within DARPA’s TTO. On-site work at the client location in the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA, is preferred, though hybrid arrangements may be possible. Approximately 25% travel, both local and domestic, will be required.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical support and independent assessments to Government Program Managers (PMs).
  • Assist in identifying, developing, and evaluating new program concepts and technology initiatives.
  • Lead technical interchange meetings (TIMs), integrated product teams (IPTs), and design reviews.
  • Support program experimentation and test activities, including test plan development and coordination with performers, government stakeholders, test ranges, and test facilities.
  • Evaluate technical progress, risks, and program execution across multiple performers and development efforts.
  • Author technical reports, program briefings, memoranda, and decision-support materials.
  • Support transition planning and engagement with military Services, Combatant Commands, and other transition partners.
  • Provide day-to-day program support, including participation in performer calls, major reviews, internal DARPA meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 12 years of professional experience.
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain clearance).
  • 5+ years of experience developing GNC, flight control, navigation, autopilot, and/or power electronics systems for aerospace vehicles as an individual contributor, project lead, or chief engineer.
  • Experience in a Department of War (DoW) research and development (R&D) organization (e.g., DARPA, SCO, AFRL, JHTO) or Acquisition organization (e.g., PAE Fires, SSP, AFLMC), and/or as a performer (industry, FFRDC, or UARC) for such organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and technical development efforts.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Professionalism, maturity, sound judgment, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills for daily interactions with Government Program Managers, technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications (Preferred)

  • Doctorate in mechanical, aerospace, electrical, computer engineering, or a related field.
  • Active Top Secret security clearance, with the ability to obtain SCI access.
  • 5+ years of experience supporting the development of hypersonic vehicles, re-entry systems, tactical missile systems, or other high-speed aerospace platforms.
  • Familiarity with high-level DoW programming, requirements, science & technology, and acquisition processes.
  • Experience conducting system architecture trades, modeling and simulation activities, verification and validation efforts, or flight test campaigns.

Pay

$150,000–$270,000 annual salary, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

  • 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-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions or benefits.

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