Embedded Systems and Technical SETA

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for an Embedded Systems and Technical SETA to provide onsite support out of Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform technology management support of research efforts involving software and hardware platform research and assessment, integration, testing, prototype development, and transition of systems for secure multi-node processing. Provide expert technical advice and guidance to DARPA regarding all aspects of secure, multi-domain computing systems. Execute new concept and new program development with government principals. Explore current state-of-the-art and technical feasibility of new concepts and potential research approaches. Support DoD research programs in terms of technology management, engagement with research performers, deliverable review, and leading regular calls or meetings with research performers on a technical basis. Support testing and evaluation of DoD applied research and advanced technology development of cybersecurity technologies and/or prototypes in an operationally relevant environment. Directly engage with government transition partners (within the DoD and Intelligence Community) and related stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 8+ years of relevant experience in embedded hardware development, embedded systems programming, cybersecurity, and/or computer engineering
• Active Top Secret clearance
• Substantial experience in cybersecurity, as applied to embedded hardware systems (e.g. mobile and non-telecom devices, internet of things, and related military and intelligence type equipment)
• Experience with secure Execution Environments (e.g. TEEs, TPMs) on embedded devices
• Test & Evaluation experience in cybersecurity red-teaming (to include Counter-Intel style qualitative assessment), and demonstrated ability to 'break' systems, thus exposing design, architecture, and security flaws and identification of technical debt
• Ability to work with little oversight to achieve team goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences
• A high degree of initiative, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability
• Familiarity with general systems engineering principles for complex systems development
• Able to report to Arlington, VA full-time in a SCIF environment, based upon client needs

Desired:

• Graduate/Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with a wide variety of reverse engineering (RE), vulnerability research (VR), offensive cyber, and defense cyber methods and state-of-the-art for embedded systems
• Experience in experience in testbed development and usage for mixed real/virtual (i.e. Live Virtual Constructive) sets of software and/or hardware nodes
• Experience in T&E operations planning and execution, i.e. Test Planning, Test Infrastructure, Test Execution and Documentation, Travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations
• Experience operating in complex, contested, non-benign environments
• Experience with clandestine or covert operations
• Experience with cyber operations
• Experience with Telecommunications (Telco) Operators, and a wide variety of systems
• Experience working with Special Access Programs (SAPs)/CAPs
• Experience with Agile development methodologies

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $170k-$220K