Senior Program Analyst

The Mission Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc.

(ARA) is seeking a Senior Program Analyst to provide advanced technical, engineering, and program support to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies (OASW(CT)), enabling successful execution of R&D, prototyping, and technology transition activities.

This position is based in the National Capital Region (Washington, DC) and includes a hybrid schedule combining remote telework with on‑site support at government facilities, including the Pentagon, the Suffolk Building, and the Mark Center.

Serving as a subject‑matter expert to senior government leadership, the analyst conducts technical reviews, supports strategic planning, develops engineering guidance materials, and coordinates cross‑organizational activities that accelerate emerging technology delivery.

The role requires sophisticated analytical capability, strong systems engineering insight, and the ability to synthesize complex technical information into actionable recommendations, briefings, and program artifacts.

This position directly supports government efforts to assess technical proposals, manage prototyping workflows, and ensure alignment with national‑level critical technology priorities.

Essential Functions:


* Conduct engineering assessments, technical reviews, and analysis of R&D and prototyping activities supporting OASW(CT).


* Develop technical materials including high‑level architectures, program guidance, policy inputs, and engineering documentation that shape emerging technology development and transition pathways.


* Prepare senior‑level briefings, reports, and analytical products for DoW leadership, Congress, industry, academia, and interagency partners to inform decision‑making on critical technologies.


* Coordinate with OUSW(R&E), Intelligence Community organizations, and other government entities to collect, analyze, and integrate technical and portfolio data relevant to national‑level technology priorities.


* Support executive operations and technical workflow management within OASW(CT), improving processes, cross‑team communication, and mission execution efficiency.


* Provide specialized systems or software engineering expertise to inform strategic planning, technical direction, and program execution across multiple prototyping and technology development efforts.

Required Qualifications:


* Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline from an accredited academic institution


* 12-15 years of experience preparing technical briefings, documentation, and analytical products for senior government audiences in R&D or defense technology environments.


* Active SECRET clearance (minimum) with ability to obtain and maintain TOP SECRET/SCI eligibility as required for the role.


* Advanced expertise in systems engineering, applied research, or prototyping, with demonstrated ability to as...