Research Engineer – Electrical Powered Aircraft

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.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. 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.

SPA has an immediate need for a Research Engineer – Electrical Powered Aircraft to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will apply an academic background and operational experience in the development of hybrid electric propulsion systems and implementation in aircraft of varied size in support of DARPAs Tactical Technology Office (TTO). Lead periodic (monthly or bi-weekly) performer assessments to analyze program, technical, and schedule risks; develop risk mitigation strategies; and communicate findings to the Program Manager. Perform technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications. Administer programs, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews. Attend and organize program reviews/site visits/field tests. Coordinate performer meetings, assess performer task progress and projected performer outcomes, and ensure that project management best practices are followed both at subject performers, within the independent verification and validation (IV&V) activities funded by DARPA, and within DARPA itself.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Electronics Engineering with up to 2 years of industrial or academic experience; OR a Master’s degree with 2-5 years of experience in industry or academia; OR a Bachelors with 5+ years of experience
• Active DoD Secret and eligible for TS/SCI
• Knowledge of:

• Aviation aspects for electric propulsion power distribution system
• High power density power electronics converter design, analysis, and control
• System design and management of energy storage solutions
• Power electronics (i.e., DC/DC converters, Battery, Inverter)
• Modelling and evaluation of electrical power distribution architectures

Desired Qualifications

• An applied background in aerospace systems and architectures
• Familiarity with aerospace regulations and certification standards