CHIPS Technical SME

Location: Alexandria, VA

Category: Engineering & Technical Services

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Tags: Joint, OSD, Interagency Division (JOID), Public Trust

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues. The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions spanning national security and advanced technology sectors. CIG specializes in building technical expertise, guiding program planning, and enabling innovation across a broad spectrum of emerging domains. We have an upcoming need for a Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) CHIPS R&D Office (CRDO) and lifecycle management of Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), program planning, and the identification of emerging research opportunities in semiconductors and microtechnology domains. This position will leverage subject matter expertise across the semiconductor ecosystem, including materials science, lithography, and emerging areas such as AI-enabled design, quantum, biotechnology, and heterogeneous integration. The Technical SME will assist CRDO in shaping forward-looking initiatives or requests for applications that will strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor innovation. This position will operate in a hybrid role out of Northern Virginia in support of customers in the Washington DC Metropolitan region. Responsibilities The Technical SME will provide high-level technical expertise in support of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) and related objectives under the CHIPS Act. This role focuses on evaluating emerging research areas, conducting technical reviews, and developing program plans that align with strategic priorities in semiconductors and advanced technologies. Specific responsibilities include: Lifecycle Support for Broad Agency Announcements (BAA): Lead or contribute to technical efforts related to the CHIPS BAA lifecycle, including development of requirements, response evaluations, providing feedback, and monitoring awardee organizations for progress. Technical Expertise in Emerging Areas: Apply subject matter expertise to evaluate potential focus areas, emerging technologies, and research trends aligned with the CRDO’s strategic objectives. Key areas of focus include: Semiconductors and advanced microelectronics technologies. Materials science and lithography for semiconductor development. AI-enabled design for advanced semiconductor research and development. Application of quantum technology for advanced microelectronics research and development. Application of biotechnology and biomanufacturing technology for advanced microelectronics research and development. Heterogeneous integration techniques to improve semiconductor capabilities. Standards development and technology commercialization. Strategic Program Planning: Provide insights into long-term program development strategies and assist CRDO leadership in prioritizing research topics and focus areas. Support the shaping of forward-looking initiatives or requests for applications that will strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor innovation. Technical Evaluations and Assessments: Conduct robust evaluations of innovation proposals and technological concepts, synthesizing feedback to refine program requirements and enhance decision-making. Research on Emerging Trends: Stay abreast of cutting-edge developments across domains such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and commercialization in microelectronics to identify opportunities for impactful research initiatives. Commercialization Support: Provide technical perspectives on the pathways from research and development to final innovations becoming viable commercial solutions. Advise on methods for accelerating adoption within the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. Standards Development: Collaborate with industry and government partners to identify gaps and opportunities in national and international standards for advanced microelectronics technologies. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work with stakeholders, including researchers, contractors, and subject matter experts across academia and industry, to define focus areas and optimize program alignment. Program Advocacy: Support CRDO leadership in communicating the importance of program initiatives to government sponsors and industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment with national technology priorities. Qualifications Required: Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Biotechnology, or a related technical field. 8+ years of technical experience in R&D, applied research, or innovation strategy, preferably related to semiconductors, microelectronics, or heterogeneous integration techniques. Demonstrated ability to support strategic program planning and lifecycle management of Broad Agency Announcements, including technical evaluations and monitoring awardee performance. Expertise in semiconductor ecosystem areas, including materials science, lithography, and AI-enabled design, as well as emerging areas such as quantum technology and biotechnology. In-depth understanding of the intersection between cutting-edge research and its commercialization potential. Exceptional analytical skills with experience assessing emerging technologies and their potential impact on industry and national priorities. U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a Public Trust. Desired: Prior experience supporting government programs related to semiconductors, microelectronics, or advanced technology R&D under a Federal mandate (e.g., the CHIPS Act). Familiarity with heterogeneous integration approaches and their applications in semiconductor development. Understanding of key domains such as AI-driven microelectronics, quantum, lithography, and biotechnological applications in semiconductors. Familiarity with standards development organizations, such as ISO, IEC, or IEEE, and expertise in defining technical standards for emerging technologies. Knowledge of technology commercialization pathways, including intellectual property development, spin-offs, and venture capital strategies. Proven expertise in cross-disciplinary collaboration with academia, industry, and government stakeholders to shape innovation priorities. Strong familiarity with Federal R&D funding mechanisms, such as Broad Agency Announcements, cooperative agreements, and contracts.

Responsibilities

The Technical SME will provide high-level technical expertise in support of the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) and related objectives under the CHIPS Act. This role focuses on evaluating emerging research areas, conducting technical reviews, and developing program plans that align with strategic priorities in semiconductors and advanced technologies. Specific responsibilities include: Lifecycle Support for Broad Agency Announcements (BAA): Lead or contribute to technical efforts related to the CHIPS BAA lifecycle, including development of requirements, response evaluations, providing feedback, and monitoring awardee organizations for progress. Technical Expertise in Emerging Areas: Apply subject matter expertise to evaluate potential focus areas, emerging technologies, and research trends aligned with the CRDO’s strategic objectives. Key areas of focus include: Semiconductors and advanced microelectronics technologies. Materials science and lithography for semiconductor development. AI-enabled design for advanced semiconductor research and development. Application of quantum technology for advanced microelectronics research and development. Application of biotechnology and biomanufacturing technology for advanced microelectronics research and development. Heterogeneous integration techniques to improve semiconductor capabilities. Standards development and technology commercialization. Strategic Program Planning: Provide insights into long-term program development strategies and assist CRDO leadership in prioritizing research topics and focus areas. Support the shaping of forward-looking initiatives or requests for applications that will strengthen U.S. leadership in semiconductor innovation. Technical Evaluations and Assessments: Conduct robust evaluations of innovation proposals and technological concepts, synthesizing feedback to refine program requirements and enhance decision-making. Research on Emerging Trends: Stay abreast of cutting-edge developments across domains such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and commercialization in microelectronics to identify opportunities for impactful research initiatives. Commercialization Support: Provide technical perspectives on the pathways from research and development to final innovations becoming viable commercial solutions. Advise on methods for accelerating adoption within the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. Standards Development: Collaborate with industry and government partners to identify gaps and opportunities in national and international standards for advanced microelectronics technologies. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work with stakeholders, including researchers, contractors, and subject matter experts across academia and industry, to define focus areas and optimize program alignment. Program Advocacy: Support CRDO leadership in communicating the importance of program initiatives to government sponsors and industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment with national technology priorities.

Qualifications

Required: Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science, Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, Biotechnology, or a related technical field. 8+ years of technical experience in R&D, applied research, or innovation strategy, preferably related to semiconductors, microelectronics, or heterogeneous integration techniques. Demonstrated ability to support strategic program planning and lifecycle management of Broad Agency Announcements, including technical evaluations and monitoring awardee performance. Expertise in semiconductor ecosystem areas, including materials science, lithography, and AI-enabled design, as well as emerging areas such as quantum technology and biotechnology. In-depth understanding of the intersection between cutting-edge research and its commercialization potential. Exceptional analytical skills with experience assessing emerging technologies and their potential impact on industry and national priorities. U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a Public Trust. Desired: Prior experience supporting government programs related to semiconductors, microelectronics, or advanced technology R&D under a Federal mandate (e.g., the CHIPS Act). Familiarity with heterogeneous integration approaches and their applications in semiconductor development. Understanding of key domains such as AI-driven microelectronics, quantum, lithography, and biotechnological applications in semiconductors. Familiarity with standards development organizations, such as ISO, IEC, or IEEE, and expertise in defining technical standards for emerging technologies. Knowledge of technology commercialization pathways, including intellectual property development, spin-offs, and venture capital strategies. Proven expertise in cross-disciplinary collaboration with academia, industry, and government stakeholders to shape innovation priorities. Strong familiarity with Federal R&D funding mechanisms, such as Broad Agency Announcements, cooperative agreements, and contracts.