We are seeking a highly experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a U.S. Government-sponsored program focused on the research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced technologies for the detection and clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). This is a technically demanding role that requires a rare combination of deep field experience in mine action operations and the ability to contribute meaningfully to prototype development and engineering evaluation efforts.

The successful candidate will serve as a critical link between U.S.-based engineering and program management teams and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) conducting live humanitarian mine clearance operations. The role requires the ability to deploy globally, often on short notice, to conduct site assessments, deliver New Equipment Training (NET), troubleshoot advanced detection systems in austere environments, and provide technically rigorous assessments of equipment performance.

The SME will be expected to operate across a broad range of technical and operational functions. In the field, the SME will deploy to mine-affected countries to conduct site assessments, evaluate the performance of detection and mechanical clearance equipment in live operational conditions, and provide hands-on training to host-nation NGO operators and team leaders. Training missions typically range from two to four weeks in duration and require the SME to develop all necessary instructional materials, demonstrate equipment operation, and supervise training drills until operators achieve a defined level of proficiency.

In a domestic engineering support capacity, the SME will contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of prototype detection and mechanical clearance systems. This includes preparing test plans and procedures, collecting and analyzing performance data, authoring evaluation reports and technical briefings, and supporting field demonstrations at Government-designated test ranges. The SME will also contribute to the monthly scientific and technical reporting cycle, ensuring the Government has clear, data-driven visibility into the performance of systems under development.

The SME is additionally responsible for maintaining strict compliance with all applicable security and information protection requirements, including the safeguarding of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in both domestic and overseas environments. When working alongside host-nation personnel who lack U.S. security clearances, the SME must exercise sound judgment in applying Foreign Disclosure regulations to protect sensitive technical data.

• Minimum of five (5) years of direct, hands-on experience supporting mine action (MA) programs in mine and UXO-affected countries
• Active DoD Secret clearance; Interim Secret considered on a case-by-case basis; #qinetiqclearedjob
• Demonstrated proficiency operating and training others on handheld dual-sensor metal detectors, ground penetrating radar (GPR), magnetometers, and large-loop electromagnetic detection systems
• Ability to author test plans, evaluation reports, After Action Reports (AARs), and training manuals to a professional standard
• Willingness and physical ability to deploy OCONUS, including to contingency and post-conflict environments, with a minimum of two weeks' notice
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171 CUI safeguarding requirements and DoD OCONUS pre-deployment processes (ISOPREP, PRMS, SPOT registration)
• Specific detector platform experience must include proficiency with one or more of the following families of systems: Handheld dual-sensor systems (electromagnetic induction/metal detector combinations); commercial large-loop metal detectors and magnetometer arrays; ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems for subsurface threat detection; and Differential GPS (DGPS) systems used for precise target location marking in clearance operations.
• This position requires the ability to work in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous field environments in a wide range of climates and terrain types. Candidates must be physically fit and capable of conducting extended field operations. Domestic work will be performed at Government facilities in the Northern Virginia and Maryland area, and candidates must be prepared to comply with all applicable installation access, badging, and Common Access Card (CAC) requirements.

• Advanced Detection & Classification Systems. Experience with rapid area survey systems that integrate electromagnetic (EM) and magnetometer sensors to produce high-resolution EM maps and automatically identify potential subsurface threats. Familiarity with classification sensors capable of determining the size, depth, orientation, and munition type of a detected target — particularly systems used in conjunction with large-loop detection arrays — is highly desirable.
• Drone and Remote Sensing Technologies. Hands-on experience operating commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipped with multi-spectral (R/G/B/RE/NIR), LiDAR, or thermal camera payloads for area survey applications. Experience applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning techniques to analyze remote sensing data for the purpose of identifying surface or near-surface threats is a significant differentiator.
• Mechanical Mine Clearance Equipment. Familiarity with heavy construction and agricultural-style equipment adapted for mine and vegetation clearance in hazardous environments, including remote-controlled compact tracked loaders, micro and full-size excavators, commercial mine flails, and tilling systems ranging from 100 to 300 HP.
• Regional Language Skills. Professional working proficiency in one or more languages relevant to Southeast Asia or other primary mine-affected regions, including Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, or Arabic.
• Test Facility Design. Experience designing, installing, or managing RDT&E test lanes and facilities, including the emplacement of rendered-safe UXO targets using DGPS for controlled performance evaluations.
• Data Processing Software. Experience with specialized data processing software used to analyze sensor data collected during area survey operations, including the ability to configure detection thresholds, interpret confidence values, and generate target dig lists with GPS coordinates for follow-on manual investigation.

The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $175,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. QinetiQ US considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.