Role Overview
Blue Sky Innovators is hiring a mid-level Physics SETA-DARPA. This is a full-time role in Arlington. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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Job Description
Candidate needs to be able to start in September 2026.
Description:
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.
Requirements:
- 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
Desired capabilities and characteristics:
- 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
Responsibilities:
- 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.
Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at careers@blueskyinnovators.com and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Physics SETA-DARPA position at Blue Sky Innovators?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Blue Sky Innovators. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Where is the Physics SETA-DARPA position at Blue Sky Innovators located?
This position is based in Arlington. Blue Sky Innovators has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.
What does a Physics SETA-DARPA at Blue Sky Innovators earn?
Blue Sky Innovators has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Physics SETA-DARPA role at Blue Sky Innovators posted?
This role was posted on May 6, 2026 (46 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
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