Title: Senior Low Observable (LO) Integrated Product Support / Logistics SME
LCAT: Ops Research Analyst Lvl III (SME)
Location: Crystal City, Va.
Work Arrangement: Remote
Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Clearance
Education: Bachelors Degree
Job Summary
The Logistics Subject Matter Expert (SME) shall provide senior-level advisory and technical support to the Joint Program Office (JPO) supporting the F-35 enterprise. The SME will serve as a recognized authority in life cycle logistics, integrated product support, sustainment planning, and modernization initiatives associated with fifth-generation Low Observable (LO) aircraft systems.
The SME shall support the Government in developing, evaluating, and implementing product support strategies that enhance aircraft readiness, affordability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness across the worldwide F-35 fleet. The position requires expert knowledge of Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition and sustainment processes, Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements, and Low Observable sustainment operations.
The SME will support acquisition, sustainment, and future modernization efforts while ensuring alignment with warfighter requirements, operational readiness objectives, and long-term life cycle management strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Integrated Product Support Leadership
- Provide expert guidance and recommendations regarding all Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements.
- Evaluate and assess sustainment strategies affecting global F-35 fleet readiness and availability.
- Support development, execution, and refinement of product support strategies throughout the system life cycle.
- Provide recommendations to Government leadership regarding sustainment risks, opportunities, and performance improvements.
- Analyze logistics and readiness data to identify trends, capability gaps, and sustainment improvement opportunities.
Support cross-functional integration among engineering, supply chain, maintenance, operations, acquisition, and modernization stakeholders. - Low Observable (LO) Sustainment Support
- Provide expertise in the sustainment and lifecycle management of Low Observable systems, structures, coatings, materials, and support processes.
- Assess impacts of modernization initiatives on LO maintenance concepts and sustainment requirements.
- Support development of readiness and sustainment strategies for LO repair capabilities across organizational, intermediate, and depot maintenance levels.
- Advise the Government on best practices for maintaining LO system performance while improving fleet readiness and reducing sustainment costs.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, repair methodologies, and sustainment concepts related to fifth-generation aircraft survivability systems.
- Acquisition and Modernization Support
- Support acquisition and modernization initiatives through sustainment planning and logistics integration.
- Assess the logistics impacts of capability enhancements, technology insertions, engineering changes, and block upgrades.
- Participate in technical reviews, program management reviews, milestone activities, and sustainment assessments.
- Support transition planning from development through operational sustainment.
- Strategic Planning and Assessments
- Support development and review of:
- Life Cycle Sustainment Plans (LCSPs)
Product Support Strategies - Sustainment Business Case Analyses (BCAs)
- Independent Logistics Assessments (ILAs)
- Logistics Health Assessments
- Readiness Improvement Plans
- Modernization Sustainment Strategies
- Develop executive-level recommendations and briefings for senior Government leadership.
Required Qualifications
- LCAT:
- Level: SME
- Minimum Experience (Years):15
- Minimum Education: BA/BS or MA/MS
- Recent Experience Required (Past 5 Years): 4
- GS Equivalent: GS 14-15
- Work Independence: Strategic and expert-level independent performance
- Leadership / Scope: Exceptional/unique expertise; leads complex efforts and advises clients
- Applicable to Admin Assistant?: No
- Position:
- Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in defense logistics, sustainment, lifecycle logistics, product support management, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated experience supporting military aircraft sustainment programs.
- Experience developing and implementing Integrated Product Support strategies.
- Experience supporting executive-level decision making within complex defense acquisition and sustainment organizations.
- Experience developing briefings, assessments, plans, and strategic recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications/Skills
- Master's Degree in a related discipline.
- DAWIA/Back-to-Basics Life Cycle Logistics certification or equivalent.
- Former military logistics, maintenance, or sustainment experience.
- Experience within a Program Executive Office (PEO), Joint Program Office (JPO), Service Headquarters, SYSCOM, NAVAIR, AFLCMC, or equivalent organization.
- Experience supporting Low Observable aircraft programs.
- Experience with F-35 sustainment and global support operations.
- Experience with sustainment planning for modernization initiatives and capability upgrades.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this position is measured by the individual's ability to influence and improve sustainment outcomes across the global F-35 enterprise while serving as a trusted advisor to Government leadership. The successful candidate will proactively identify risks, develop actionable solutions, and integrate logistics, sustainment, engineering, and operational considerations to improve aircraft readiness and long-term affordability.
Benefits Statement
Paradigm Max Q provides eligible employees with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; a 401(k)-retirement plan; paid time off (PTO) for vacation; and company-paid holidays. The benefits package also includes reimbursement for a Planet Fitness Black Card membership.
Salary Range (DMV Market)
$90,000 - $150,000
Location-Based Compensation
Compensation is determined based on the employee's primary work location, applicable labor market, experience, education, certifications, security clearance, and other job-related factors. Candidates working outside the DMV may receive a different salary range consistent with local market conditions and applicable law.
