Program Analyst Lead

About the Company

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of expertise, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the U.S. and abroad. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides analytical and programmatic support to DoD, Federal Civilian, and international markets, helping customers make informed decisions on challenging issues. SPA supports critical decision-making to ensure technological superiority and the delivery of secure, resilient capabilities to the warfighter.

About the Role

The Program Analyst Lead will provide onsite support for DARPA in Arlington, VA, applying a technical or military background to support the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. This role involves analyzing programmatic, technical, and schedule risks, coordinating performer meetings, and ensuring project management best practices. Up to 15% travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Support periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze programmatic, technical, and schedule risks and communicate findings to the Program Manager.
• Coordinate performer meetings, assess task progress, and work with the program team to ensure best practices are followed.
• Monitor technical and programmatic progress of performers and keep the Program Manager informed through daily communications, monthly reports, and other updates.
• Assist in preparing and executing program reviews, gathering technical data on progress and accomplishments from performers.
• Liaise with technical PMs, business operations, legal, contractual, and administrative staff to draft documents.
• Communicate complex issues clearly and effectively for senior executive audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Assist in planning and executing conferences, symposia, workshops, steering groups, and technical meetings.
• Provide input for draft briefings, letters, reports, literature reviews, and documents to support new program concepts and technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (non-technical degrees may be substituted with demonstrated technical acumen).
• 5+ years of experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance and eligibility for TS/SCI.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with mature judgment and attention to detail.
• Self-starter capable of creating high-quality documents and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences with minimal assistance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Able to report to DARPA (Arlington, VA) up to full-time based on client needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance.
• Experience with the DoD or military ecosystem.
• Experience managing R&D programs from inception to closeout.
• An MBA or MS in a STEM field.

Benefits

SPA offers a robust total compensation package, including:

• Competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
• Health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Life and disability insurance programs.
• Paid and unpaid time away from work.

Pay

Salary range: USD $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $170,000.00/Yr.