Physics SETA-DARPA

Candidate needs to be able to start in September 2026.

Candidates sought to provide on-site technical support in the management of 6-8 performers for the HARQ program (https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/heterogeneous-architectures-for-quantum).

The successful candidate will support the PM focusing on new program development and ancillary analysis support for ongoing program management. Support will transition to program management and transition over the program lifecycle.

Specific expertise areas of interest are: atomic, molecular, optical (AMO) physics, synthetic quantum emitters (quantum dots, color centers), microwave superconducting qubits and circuits.

• Ph.D. Physics (can be Applied Physics or other variants) or Masters with relevant work experience but not desk experience.
• A background in experimental physics and an understanding of optics

• Outstanding attention to detail
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn unfamiliar areas needed to broadly support the PM’s portfolio spanning multiple domains of optics and electronics
• Self-starter who is willing to both take the lead and provide support in a team role in a complex, fast-paced, cross-disciplinary work environment
• Strong organization skills with the ability to multi-task and respond to quick turn-around requests
• Flexible and readily adaptable to change
• Demonstrated collaboration skills in a team atmosphere
• Passion for science and technology
• Skills in first-principles analysis and/or theoretical physics

• →Analysis of emerging science and technology R&D opportunities through literature review; outreach to the research community; summarizing, analyzing, and visualizing data in spreadsheet and graphical forms
• →Generating briefing materials and agency documents required for new program approval
• →Program management at all stages over the program lifecycle including BAA drafting; feedback on proposals; interactions with proposers and performers; meeting organization and participation; transition partner and industry partner engagement
• →Lead periodic performer assessments to analyze findings, assess technical and schedule risks; develop management strategies; communicate findings to program manager
• →Technical evaluations and guidance on reports, briefings, and other performer communications  
• →Presentation and report preparation
• →Program administration, including development of technical analyses, identification of technology gaps, technical risk management, project cost estimation, technology transfer efforts, as well as supporting technical reviews
• →Attending and organizing program reviews/site visits/field tests

Clearance: U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a TS/SCI DoD security clearance is required.