DARPA – Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) Senior Scientist

Please note, position is contingent upon award ***Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.The mission of DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) to ensure the U.S.’s continued technological dominance, both militarily and economically. To do this, MTO pushes today’s boundaries in foundational science, going beyond incremental improvements to existing technologies and seeking fundamental scientific breakthroughs that can create new capabilities and reshape entire industries. MTO has three major focus areas that address distinct challenges but also build upon and reinforce one another: Circuit Development to Enable Next-generation Microsystems (photonic circuits, quantum circuits, and organic circuits), Microsystems Manufacturing Ecosystem, and Dual-use by Design. Additional information on MTO is available here: https://www.darpa.mil/about/offices/mto Please note, position is contingent upon award ***Amentum is seeking a senior scientist to support the development and execution of programs in MTO. This is a full-time position with the requirement to work on-site at the client location (Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, VA). Some domestic travel (~20%) may be required. Annual salary ranges between $150K-$200K depending on qualifications and experience.Responsibilities May Include:Providing Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programsProviding technical support and insight to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and associated research and development communities across industry, academia, and governmentSupport in identifying, developing, and implementing new program conceptsProviding program management and acquisition supportLeveraging knowledge of the full lifecycle of advanced research and development programs, from concept development and requirements definition through prototyping, testing, evaluation, and transition to operational capabilityIdentifying and translating requirements into technology research and development objectivesPerforming independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analysesProviding overarching support to program/s to include, as needed, attending biweekly calls for performers, attending major reviews, drafting programmatic documentation for DARPA and transition partners, attending transition partner meetings and internal DARPA team meetingsSupporting technical interchange meetings and design reviewsSupporting program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, and test facilitiesAuthor program briefings and technical documentation and reportsMinimum Requirements:Master of Science degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological disciplineAt least 15 years of relevant experienceActive Secret security clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearanceSenior-level experience at progressively more difficult levels in planning and developing technical projects of a research and development nature, concerned with unique or controversial problemsDemonstrated skill in conceiving, planning, and conducting research in problem areas of considerable scope and complexity requiring unconventional or novel approaches and sophisticated research techniques. The demonstrated the ability to independently conduct the appropriate analysis to offer recommendations, solutions, and alternatives to resolve complex R&D issues, concerns, problems, or methods in areas related to MTODemonstrated experience in senior leadership roles within technical organizations and providing strategic scientific guidance on cutting-edge research initiativesCandidate is recognized as an expert in their field of study or technology with extensive published articles in their field of expertise and demonstrated thought leadership and recognition within the broader scientific communityThe demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with a Government Program Manager, other technical support personnel, and executive-level audiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environmentHighly Desired Attributes:PhD degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or technological disciplineActive Top Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain SCI access. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a security clearanceExperience working with DoD stakeholders, combatant commands, and defense industry partnersTen (10) years extensive experience, background and knowledge of one or more DARPA programsSeven (7) years of experience working with DARPA Program Managers is highly desirableCompensation Details:$150K-$200KThe compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.Benefits Overview:Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:Health, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off and holidaysRetirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)Educational reimbursementParental leaveEmployee stock purchase planTax-saving optionsDisability and life insurancePet insuranceNote: 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/benefits.Original Posting:04/22/2026 - Until FilledAmentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.