What are the responsibilities and job description for the SETA Technical Advisor I position at Strategic Analysis Incorporated?
About the Company: Strategic Analysis, Inc. is looking for a SETA Technical Advisor to join our team as and provide critical Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance to a government Program Manager within the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Adaptive Capabilities Office (ACO). In this role, you will leverage your deep technical expertise to support the development and execution of a portfolio of high-impact R&D programs focused on enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of our nation's warfighting capabilities. You will serve as a trusted subject matter expert, offering analysis, advice, and direct support to the government PM. You will assist in overseeing complex R&D programs valued at $10M-$30M , helping to manage technical uncertainty, align stakeholders, and ensure program milestones are met on the path toward operational deployment.
About the Role: As a SETA Technical Advisor, you will be responsible for the following:
Responsibilities:
- Programmatic Support: Assist the government Program Manager in the planning, development, and oversight of a portfolio of high-risk R&D programs aimed at creating next-generation secure devices and systems.
- Technical Analysis & Oversight: Provide independent technical assessment of performer progress, review deliverables, and offer expert analysis and recommendations on technical approaches and challenges.
- Portfolio Support: Support the Program Manager in tracking contract milestones, budget, and schedule performance. Assist in the review of monthly cost/schedule data (EVMS) to help identify variances and formulate corrective action plans.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitate technical discussions and coordinate between the Program Manager, performers, and military stakeholders to ensure alignment and clear communication. Prepare briefings and analysis for government leadership.
- Technology Transition Support: Assist the Program Manager in developing and managing technology transition roadmaps, ensuring that prototype validation activities align with long-term production and deployment goals.
- Risk Assessment: Perform independent risk assessments of technical and programmatic plans. Conduct structured root cause analysis of complex issues and provide the Program Manager with recommended mitigation strategies.
- Acquisition Support: Support the Program Manager in developing acquisition documents, including Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) solicitations. Assist in the technical evaluation of proposals and ROMs.
Qualifications:
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Active Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance.
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- 3-5 years of experience in R&D program management or high-level technical support, preferably in the defense sector.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Deep technical expertise and experience providing analysis and advice in one or more of the following areas:
- High-Risk R&D Programs
- Secure Hardware & Edge Compute Systems
- System Deployment & Transition Planning
- EVMS & Cost/Schedule Analysis
- OTA & Non-Traditional Acquisition
- Technical Risk Assessment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to provide objective, data-driven decision support to government customers and senior leaders.
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience in a SETA or advisory role supporting a government Program Manager, particularly at DARPA.
- Demonstrated success supporting large-scale government programs ($30M ) from design through qualification and deployment readiness.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to analyze complex problems and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
Strategic Analysis, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to non-discrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religions, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 or older), protected veteran status, genetic information (including family medical history) or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy includes but is not limited to the following employment actions: recruitment, hiring, firing, promotion, demotion, compensation, fringe benefits, training, mentoring and sponsorship programs.