Nonlinear Optics Tech SETA, TS/SCI

Key Features:

• Effort (FTE): 1.00 FTE


• Education Level: At least a Master’s degree in an Engineering or Science discipline relevant to this solicitation’s areas of interest


• Urgency: Immediate

Description:

Candidates sought to provide support for one or more new programs in the area of “nonlinear optics” with the overall aim to achieve orders of magnitude improvement in power efficiency and nonlinear effects. The efforts will focus on material science, waveguide design, and fabrication approaches to achieve such nonlinear optics capabilities. The underlying photonic technologies are expected to draw from diverse disciplines, covering, but not limited to, optics, integrated photonics, electrical engineering, materials engineering, physics, and fabrication experience. Approaches will consider a wide gamut of technologies, constrained mainly by the imaginations of the DARPA team and proposers, and include but are not limited to photonic and nonlinear materials and devices, second and third order nonlinearities, analog and digital signal processing, communications, neural networks, and novel computing architectures.

The successful candidate will support the program manager by providing original technical insights, expertise from prior experience, systematic information gathering, and identification of end users who will drive the requirements of systems employing nonlinear optics, transitioning such systems to impactful applications. Such a candidate will also identify potential performers with viable approaches to nonlinear optics and their uses.

It is expected that the candidate will serve as a liaison with the armed services, the intelligence community (IC), and DoD stakeholders to maximize transition potential of unconventional computing technologies; coordinate with DARPA SID to assess performers’ security compliance with approved program protection plans in place; generate, maintain and execute an integrated master schedule for the program; generate and update technical risk analysis models; and support the coordination and execution of program-funded independent verification and validation (IV&V) activity. 

Desired candidate capabilities and characteristics:

• Demonstrated project management and technical liaison expertise


• Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar areas needed to broadly support the PM’s portfolio of unconventional computing programs


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools


• Proficiency in the use of large language model tools for subject matter analysis and reporting


• Excellent communication skills - both written (to include PowerPoint) and oral


• Self-starter who is willing to both take the lead and provide support in a team role in a complex, fast-paced, cross-disciplinary work environment


• Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and respond to quick turn-around requests


• Flexible and readily adaptable to change


• TS/SCI Clearance preferred

Responsibilities:

• Lead periodic performer assessments to analyze program, technical and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; communicate findings to program manager


• Take charge in supporting the program manager in program definition and pitch preparations


• Support research solicitation and special notices


• Play and active role in proposal evaluations, including formation and management of proposal evaluation teams


• Technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications  


• Internal presentations and report preparation for DARPA and other government agencies


• Program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews


• Stakeholder engagement in unconventional computing and systems that use this across the IC, DoD, and services


• Interagency engagement, including coordination activities with the IC, DoD, DoE, DoC, and potentially international partnerships


• Attending and organizing program reviews/site visits/field tests

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at [email protected] and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.