Senior Cyber Defense Technologist - Applied Research Associates, Inc

The Capital Area Division (CAD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking energetic and highly experienced Senior Cyber Defense Technologist with an extensive background in supporting the US Government in the planning and execution of large technology programs. Specifically, we are seeking staff with backgrounds in cyber, electronic warfare, ISR/PED, space, land, surface and undersea warfare, air warfare, tactical intelligence, special operations, and wargaming. Successful applicants for these contingent positions will support the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the National Capital Region on-site.

These positions supporting the DoD’s Assault Breaker II (ABII) program require candidates with experience performing a variety of program functions, including:

• Technology transition and working group participation
• Identification and execution of advanced modeling & simulation capabilities to support transition of advanced warfighting architectures for operational use and the development of capabilities needed to realize those designs
• Basic knowledge of networking concepts and protocols
• Experience performing assessments of systems and networks within DoD or IC networking environments or enclaves and can identify systems and networks that deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, or local policies
• Provide subject matter expertise concerning known vulnerabilities, become knowledgeable of newly released vulnerabilities, and discuss methods of exploitation, methods of mitigation or remediation, severity of impact and other pertinent considerations of vulnerabilities
• Development of strategic and technical plans for the Cyber portfolio and provide expert guidance and recommendations for the ABII program
• Research to support procurement activities, schedules, and technology/system transfer
• Lead development and execution of Cyber assessments, demonstrations, and field trials
• Conduct quantitative analyses of Cyber system/mission requirements with respect to insertion of advanced technologies
• Support the customer in leading assembly of senior advisory panels to provide studies and assessments on the systems and technologies supporting ABII
• Definition of test objectives and procedures
• Systems architecture development

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or related discipline
• At least 15 years of experience with bolstering the development and implementation of advanced cyber technologies and systems
• Experience supporting a warfare specialty including planning, developing and executing technical projects of a R&D nature, concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on major DoD programs
• Demonstrated skill in conceiving, planning and conducting research studies combining operational expertise with novel technology approaches and sophisticated research techniques to assess military effectiveness and engineering viability
• Demonstrated experience in the use of advanced techniques, theories, precepts, and practices in technological programs, preferably one that has transitioned to operational use, or programs related to thrust areas for the ABII program
• Joint/Combatant Commands (COCOM) staff experience highly desirable.
• Current DoD TOP SECRET Clearance with SCI eligibility
• Experience, background and knowledge of program transition efforts is highly desirable.
• Ability to conduct kill chain analysis, capability gap analysis, and identify relevant metrics or performance parameters to inform development of CONOPS and/or CONEMPS
• Experience working with various modeling and simulation platforms and architectures (e.g., AFSIM) and model-based system engineering (MBSE)
• Strong written and verbal communications skills and excellent time management skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or related discipline
• Experience, background and knowledge of program transition efforts is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting the Office of the Secretary of Defense and/or DARPA
• Experience with the Assault Breaker program and related modeling and simulation tools

This position is contingent upon award of a contract (one base year + four option years) expected in September/October 2024 supporting the Department of Defense.

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 generates 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 www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Senior Cyber Defense Technologist position.

Experience

• 15 year(s): Relevant work experience

Education

• Masters or better in Physics or related field

Behaviors

• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)