Senior Robotics Engineer

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.

SPA has an immediate need for a Senior Robotics Engineer to support the development and management of current and planned programs at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, and bioengineering onsite in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will support a government Program Manager at DARPA BTO in the development and management of programs. Will work closely with Program Managers (PMs) and a multi-disciplinary SETA team to develop innovative program concepts over iterations that incorporate feedback from peers and leadership. The role will complement subject matter experts in medicine and machine learning to deliver advanced autonomous technologies to field operators such as combat medics and surgeons to improve warfighter mortality. Support PMs in their ideation loops, providing technical expertise and insights to help them develop and refine their concepts. Perform constant collaboration with PMs and cross-functional teams to create compelling program pitches that incorporate feedback from peers and leadership. Proactively provide analytical assessments of the state-of-the-art technology to support PMs in evaluating potential solution development. Interface with and gather information from key opinion leaders in the field from academia, industry, and the government. Analyze ongoing developments through journals, public competitions, and research awards to keep your team's thinking relevant. Provide expert guidance on scientific and technological aspects to PMs and internal stakeholders, empowering them to make informed decisions. Communicate across many domains (Face-to-Face, Teams, Email, phone etc). Apply ability to communicate the concepts at all levels of detail in order to transfer the knowledge. Bring a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, bridging the gap between subject matter experts and operational users.

Qualifications

Required :

• Master's degree or PhD in an engineering field preferably in robotics, mechanical, or electrical engineering; experience developing autonomous systems (UAV, UGV and UUV) at different payload and dexterity levels.
• Skilled engineer in designing, training, prototyping, and testing autonomous robotics systems across air, land, and sea.
• Expertise in perception sensor systems, large-scale signal acquisition, and analysis using cutting-edge machine learning tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and C++, daily work with robotics frameworks like ROS, and a strong understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles, especially in control systems and sensor integration.
• 4+ years of experience.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills; ability to communicate complex ideas and design insights to a broad audience.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired :