Senior Technical Advisor – Photonics & Advanced Optical Systems

About the role

Everforth ECS is seeking a Mid/Senior Technical Advisor to support a DARPA Program Manager in our Arlington, VA office. This candidate will be developing next-generation technologies in photonics, nonlinear optics, optical communications, integrated photonics, and advanced information processing systems. Please Note: This position is contingent upon additional funding.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor and liaison between DARPA leadership, research performers, Service stakeholders, Intelligence Community partners, and transition organizations. This individual will help evaluate cutting-edge research efforts, assess technical and programmatic risk, identify transition opportunities, and support the development of future DARPA initiatives.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with the ability to engage senior government stakeholders, communicate across diverse technical communities, and assess emerging technologies from both scientific and operational perspectives.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or related discipline
• 10+ years of experience supporting advanced R&D programs, technology development efforts, or scientific research initiatives
• Active Secret Clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance
• Technical expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Nonlinear optics
  • Integrated photonics
  • Optical communications
  • Photonic integrated circuits
  • Electro-optic systems
  • Advanced optical materials
  • Waveguide technologies
  • Optical sensing or computing
• Experience evaluating technical performers, research proposals, or scientific programs
• Experience interacting with government, laboratory, academic, or industry stakeholders
• Excellent written, verbal, and briefing skills

Desired Skills

• DARPA, IARPA, DoD, IC, FFRDC, national laboratory, or Service laboratory experience
• Experience supporting technology transition activities
• Existing familiarity with Service S&T organizations, operational users, or acquisition stakeholders
• Experience supporting program formation, portfolio analysis, or strategic technology planning
• Active Top Secret clearance preferred

Pay

Salary Range: $150,000 - $215,000