The Capital Area Division (CAD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc (ARA) is seeking an Electromagnetic Spectrum Specialist to conduct assessments of security vulnerabilities, including those which can be exploited by Unmanned Aircraft Systems and provide recommendations to enhance protection by preventing or mitigating damage to mission-critical systems. This position is located at Ft. Belvoir, VA. ARA is building a team to conduct multi-disciplinary vulnerability assessments of critical U.S. and allied national/theater mission systems, networks, architectures, infrastructures, and assets. Our team will support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s Nuclear Enterprise Support Directorate (NE) Mission Assurance Department (MA). The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Nuclear Enterprise Support Directorate (NE) performs multidisciplinary assessments to identify vulnerabilities in critical systems, networks, and architecture that could be exploited well below the level of armed conflict by state or non-state threat networks or could be significantly impacted by natural or accidental hazardous events.

Assessment teams conduct assessments of supporting Defense Critical Infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities which can be exploited by the Unmanned Aircraft System threats. The Electromagnetic Spectrum Specialist shall apply radio frequency (RF) engineering principles to evaluate spectrum dependent technologies and shall be familiar with a wide variety of spectrum dependent systems including radars, communications, data links, satellite communications (SATCOM), and global positioning system (GPS) technologies. The specialist will also determine root causes and recommend methods of resolution and provide expert advice on the development, integration, operation of and planning for spectrum specific countermeasures.

This position is contingent upon award of a contract (one base year + four option years) to ARA. It is anticipated that the government will award a contract in the summer of 2023.

Required Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in Physics or related field of study with emphasis (academic or experience) in Electromagnetic Theory
• Have a current / active DoD Top Secret clearance and the ability to obtain SCI access
• Be able to adhere to CDC recommended immunizations for worldwide deployment, be able to travel on short notice, work non-standard hours and take on-call duty
• Accept worldwide deployments, including to high threat permissive areas presenting some risks to personal safety
• Obtain and maintain a valid Passport
• Be capable of operating in all operational and physical environments and work collaboratively with USG military and/or civilian personnel
• Possess effective oral and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience conducting security assessments
• Experience conducting vulnerability assessments for DTRA NE-MA

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 1200 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 spawns 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 Electromagnetic Spectrum Specialist position.

Experience

• 5 - 7 years: Relevant work experience

Education

• Master of Science or better in Physics or related field

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)