DARPA – Biological Technologies Office (BTO) Robotics Engineer Support

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), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the intelligence community.

DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office (BTO) leverages biological properties and processes to revolutionize our nation’s ability to protect its warfighters. BTO harnesses advances in AI and ML to create new opportunities for transformative science across the biological spectrum.  The office develops diagnostic and assessment systems to identify chemical and biological threats, medical countermeasures, and novel approaches to tactical care and warfighter performance and recovery on and off the battlefield.  BTO also leverages biological processes, technologies, and manufacturing opportunities to create resilient infrastructures and supply chains, protective solutions, and innovative sensors to ensure mission success in any location.  Additional information on BTO is available here: Biological Technologies Office

***Please note, positions are contingent upon award ***

Amentum is seeking an experienced professional to support BTO as a Robotics Engineer / Scientist on a program focused on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). This position will be part of a Government Program Manager’s (PM’s) multi-disciplinary Scientific, Engineering, and Technical Assistance (SETA) support team, and will involve developing innovative program concepts over iterations that incorporate feedback from peers and leadership.  You will collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) in medicine and machine learning to deliver advanced autonomous technologies to field operators, such as combat medics and surgeons, to improve warfighter mortality rates.  This role requires a skilled engineer with experience designing, training, prototyping, and testing autonomous robotic systems across air, land, and sea applications.

Responsibilities May Include:

• Working closely with a DARPA PM, providing specialized technical expertise and dedicating your time to helping them develop, justify (or contradict), and refine their ideas
• Supporting the development and management of current and future biomedical programs in BTO; providing direct support to a DARPA PM including the development of new start programs, the source selection process, and assessing performer progress towards program goals
• Assessing whether new ideas submitted to the BTO office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) are technically sound, aligned with BTO goals, and address topics not being addressed by ongoing programs or other published solicitations
• Keeping abreast of state-of-the art results in fields relevant the DARPA program being supported
• Evaluating performer progress on R&D programs based on performance metrics and agreed upon goals and objectives
• Engaging with relevant communities including stakeholders, transitions partners, and current and potential performers

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree (MS) or Doctorate (PhD) in an engineering field - preferably in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field  
• At least 2 years of relevant experience developing autonomous systems (UAV, UGV, and UUV) at different payload and dexterity levels
• Expertise with perception sensor systems and large-scale signal acquisition and analysis using cutting-edge machine learning tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and C++, strong familiarity with robotics frameworks like Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering principles, especially in control systems and sensor integration
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• Strong technical writing skills, the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to broad audiences, and ability to quickly digest basic and applied research
• The demonstrated professionalism, maturity, sound judgement, and excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills necessary for daily interactions with executive-level audiences in a dynamic, high-visibility environment

• Ability to work independently or in a team setting as circumstances dictate, across a variety of tasks
• Sufficient breadth of experience and expertise to make critical assessments of diverse technologies across a range of applications
• Ability to work on-site at full-time at DARPA in Arlington, VA

Highly Desired Attributes:

• PhD in an engineering field - preferably in robotics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field 

• Active Top Secret security clearance
  • Please note US citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
• Experience with designing systems for medical applications; knowledge in FDA medical device approval processes
• Experience competing in or managing robotics competitions
• Prior experience at DARPA and/or experience in a R&D environment

Amentum is a highly ethical, safety conscious employer with caring leaders and competitive total compensation.  We offer multiple health care options so you can select the one that suits your needs.  Our 401K requires no vesting periods for company matching funds.  You’ll receive 10 federal holidays that can easily be adjusted to your beliefs.

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.