Program Technical Specialist

Program Technical Specialist to provide Technical Services supporting a DoD client. This position directly supports the government's ability to make highly informed decisions regarding prototype technology investments intended to deliver operational capability to the Fleet and Force.

TheTechnical Specialist will conduct technical analysis across multiple scientific and engineering disciplines to assess emerging technologies, evaluate prototype solutions, and validate warfighter operational needs. The position requires substantial operational military experience and technical expertise to understand Fleet and Force technology priorities and effectively engage with operational stakeholders, technical developers, acquisition organizations, and Navy leadership.

Following government endorsement, the Technical Specialist will represent the Program during intensive coordination activities with ONR Program Officers, Fleet and Force operators, System Commands, OPNAV staff, acquisition sponsors, and members of the Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE).

The ideal candidate combines operational Navy or Marine Corps experience with deep technical expertise in defense technology development, S&T transition, operational capability assessment, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Assessment & Operational Analysis

• Evaluate technical proposals, white papers, and prototype concepts to determine technical merit and operational applicability.
• Conduct technical analysis to determine whether technology solutions already exist, are under development, or require new research and development efforts.
• Develop technical assessments that mathematically quantify technology maturity, feasibility, operational utility, and transition potential.
• Recommend validation methodologies to quantify the value and operational impact of new technology requests submitted by Fleet and Force stakeholders.
• Conduct technical evaluations to align investments with Navy and Marine Corps operational priorities and strategic guidance.

• Coordinate with ONR Program Officers, Science Advisors, technical SMEs, NR&DE developers, acquisition stakeholders, OPNAV representatives, and Fleet stakeholders regarding prototype solutions and technology initiatives.
• Represent the Program during technical reviews, portfolio reviews, operational meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
• Schedule and execute technical coordination meetings within required timelines to assess operational needs and technology status.
• Facilitate collaboration between operational users, acquisition sponsors, and technical development organizations.

• Conduct technical inquiries with Warfare Centers, Labs, UARCs, System Commands, ONR HQ, and other S&T organizations to identify ongoing or existing research applicable to requirements.
• Support prototype transition planning and operational capability development activities.
• Assist with identifying innovative technologies relevant to Fleet and Force capability gaps.

• Coordinate technical evaluations from government and technical stakeholders for new requests.
• Support posting and maintenance of technical stakeholder assessments within the online portal.
• Coordinate distribution of white papers and proposals to evaluation teams within one business day of solicitation closure.
• Prepare written summaries of awards and active projects for blogs and communication channels.
• Update technical highlights, project achievements, and transition success stories on a weekly basis.
• Evaluate project reports for technical deficiencies and coordinate with Principal Investigators regarding missing or deficient submissions.
• Collect, review, validate, and distribute monthly technical reports.
• Ensure project documentation and technical reports are properly maintained within ONR systems and web portals.

• Coordinate outreach efforts and engagement activities with ONR Reserve Component personnel, ONR leadership, and teams.
• Document engagement outcomes, attendee participation, operational discussions, and new technology requests generated through outreach activities.
• Support identification and validation of Fleet and Force operational technology priorities.

• Active Secret US Government security clearance at time of contract award.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Or closely related engineering or physical sciences discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting Science & Technology development programs.
• Documented qualification serving in one of the following operational capacities:
  • US Navy Surface Warfare Officer
  • US Navy Submarine Officer
  • Pilot in Command of a US Navy or Marine Corps tactical aircraft.
• Demonstrated proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint Online)
  • Professional written and verbal communication
  • Meeting coordination and stakeholder engagement
  • Independent and collaborative work environments
  • Technical analysis and executive briefing development
• Demonstrated professionalism, mature judgment, creativity, and foresight in addressing scientific, technical, business, financial, and programmatic issues.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively without slang, colloquialisms, or inappropriate language.

• Minimum 2 years of experience supporting a Department of the Navy Acquisition Program Office or Systems Command.
• Experience facilitating collaboration on S&T initiatives between:
  • OPNAV
  • PEOs/PMs
  • Fleet Forces
  • Warfare Centers
  • Research Laboratories
  • Acquisition and transition sponsors.
• Working knowledge of the Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE), including:
  • Naval Warfare Centers
  • Systems Commands (SYSCOMs)
  • Navy Laboratories
  • University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs).
• Experience supporting technology transition, rapid prototyping, operational experimentation, or capability development initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building skills with operational, technical, acquisition, and research stakeholders.
• Prior ONR, warfare center, operational test, or defense innovation experience highly desired.