DARPA SETA Physical Chemist/Materials Scientist SME

Amentum is a leading provider of engineering, scientific, and program management support services to some of the top agencies in the U.S. government, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community.   

Amentum is currently seeking talented, enthusiastic, and dynamic individuals to support DARPA in formulating, monitoring, and transitioning advanced research and development programs to the U.S. military in multiple areas, including physical chemistry, chemical analysis, chemical sensing, corrosion, and materials sciences.  

This is a full-time position based in Arlington, VA, with the opportunity for remote work. 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) and Subject Matter Expertise (SME) to DARPA in the execution of advanced technology, research, and prototype demonstration programs. 

• Candidates will lead SETA technical and management teams.

• Candidates will serve as a primary support contractor to DARPA Program Managers, DARPA leadership, performers, integrated product teams (IPTs), and the research and development communities across industry, academia, and the Government. 

• Support the identification and implementation of new program concepts. 

• Provide program management and acquisition support. 

• Identify and translate requirements into technology research and development objectives. 

• Perform independent technical assessments of new technologies and system designs, including evaluation of alternatives, trade studies, and cost-benefit analyses. 

• Support technical interchange meetings and design reviews.

• Support program experimentation and testing efforts, including preparation of experiment/test plans and coordination with performers, government agents, test ranges, and test facilities. 

• Author program briefings and technical reports.

• Candidates will travel approximately 25% of the time.   

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience

• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in the areas of physical chemistry or material sciences, advising multiple efforts

• Experience in relevant defense-related technology research and/or development programs.

• Ability to provide practical and creative solutions in a dynamic work environment, while working effectively with a team.

• Technical leadership experience and superior oral and written communication skills

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a rapidly evolving environment

• Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance. Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance and TS/SCI

Desired Qualifications: 

• DAPRA program support experience

• Ability to quickly identify and resolve program execution risks, mitigations, and issues

• Candidates should be self-starters capable of working both independently and as part of a team

• Master’s degree or PhD

• Active US Government TS Clearance with SCI eligibility. Please note US Citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a TS Clearance with SCI eligibility

       

Compensation Details:

$150K-$200K

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

04/22/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.