The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Program Analyst to provide advanced technical, engineering, and program support to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (OASW(CT)), enabling successful execution of R&D, prototyping, and technology transition activities. This position is based in the National Capital Region (Washington, DC) and includes a hybrid schedule combining remote telework with on‑site support at government facilities, including the Pentagon, the Suffolk Building, and the Mark Center. Serving as a subject‑matter expert to senior government leadership, the analyst conducts technical reviews, supports strategic planning, develops engineering guidance materials, and coordinates cross‑organizational activities that accelerate emerging technology delivery. The role requires sophisticated analytical capability, strong systems engineering insight, and the ability to synthesize complex technical information into actionable recommendations, briefings, and program artifacts. This position directly supports government efforts to assess technical proposals, manage prototyping workflows, and ensure alignment with national‑level critical technology priorities.
Essential Functions:
- Conduct engineering assessments, technical reviews, and analysis of R&D and prototyping activities supporting OASW(CT).
- Develop technical materials including high‑level architectures, program guidance, policy inputs, and engineering documentation that shape emerging technology development and transition pathways.
- Prepare senior‑level briefings, reports, and analytical products for DoW leadership, Congress, industry, academia, and interagency partners to inform decision‑making on critical technologies.
- Coordinate with OUSW(R&E), Intelligence Community organizations, and other government entities to collect, analyze, and integrate technical and portfolio data relevant to national‑level technology priorities.
- Support executive operations and technical workflow management within OASW(CT), improving processes, cross‑team communication, and mission execution efficiency.
- Provide specialized systems or software engineering expertise to inform strategic planning, technical direction, and program execution across multiple prototyping and technology development efforts.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline from an accredited academic institution
- 12-15 years of experience preparing technical briefings, documentation, and analytical products for senior government audiences in R&D or defense technology environments.
- Active SECRET clearance (minimum) with ability to obtain and maintain TOP SECRET/SCI eligibility as required for the role.
- Advanced expertise in systems engineering, applied research, or prototyping, with demonstrated ability to assess complex technical programs and architectures.
- Proven ability to coordinate across multi‑organization technical teams, integrating intelligence, research, and engineering inputs into program recommendations.
- Familiarity with Maritime Big Play, containerized or modular system development, or critical technology strategy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience supporting DoD emerging technology, prototyping, or rapid fielding programs involving multi‑domain systems.
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree
Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $175,000.00 - $199,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at
COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at .
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