Product Support Subject Matter Expert

Title: Product Support Subject Matter Expert

LCAT: Operations Research Analyst SME Level 3

Location: Arlington, VA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid with possible Remote Option

Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Clearance

Education: BA/BS in Business, Logistics, Operations Research, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Engineering, or related field

About Us

Paradigm Max Q is redefining defense industry support. Founded in 2023, we combine elite talent, disciplined execution, and innovative thinking to deliver measurable results that improve readiness and reduce costs for the government and warfighter. As a rapidly growing SDVOSB, we are committed to operational excellence, accountability, and building a high-performing organization that delivers exceptional results for our customers. Our mission is to deliver measurable results that strengthen national defense and empower those who serve.

Job Summary

This position provides expert-level analytical, technical, and programmatic support for the development, assessment, and execution of product support and sustainment strategies for complex defense systems. The successful candidate will combine strong defense product-support knowledge with analytical ability, sound judgment, and the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively across government, military, industry, and contractor organizations. The position requires the ability to analyze complex problems, translate technical and sustainment information into clear recommendations, develop executable solutions, and support decisions that improve system readiness, affordability, supportability, and lifecycle performance.

The SME will work across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to ensure systems are affordable, supportable, and mission-ready throughout the lifecycle, with a focus on performance-based logistics, readiness, and cost optimization.

Required Qualifications

Applies technical, scientific, mathematics, and statistical methodologies to the study and analysis of technological and operations problems in relation to technical, engineering, and scientific development of processes, systems, and equipment. Uses analytical techniques to design procedures for and execute process improvements, experiments, tests, and evaluations of weapons systems or equipment.

Minimum 15 years' experience with four of the past five years in a relevant field

Demonstrate ability to perform strategic and expert-level independence

Demonstrate exceptional or unique expertise and lead complex, high-impact efforts

• Develop and implement Product Support Strategies


• Analyze system performance and corrective action across the life cycle, identifying sustainment risks and cost drivers


• Support provisioning, sparing analyses, and supply chain optimization


• Analyze failure data, trends, and root causes to improve system performance


• Recommend corrective actions to enhance reliability, availability, and maintainability


• Utilize logistics and sustainment data systems to track key performance metrics (e.g., Ao, MTBF, MTTR)


• Develop dashboards, reports, and briefings for leadership and government stakeholders


• Support data-driven decision-making for sustainment improvements


• Interface with government customers, OEMs, and subcontractors


• Support program reviews, audits, and milestone events


• Provide subject matter expertise in sustainment and logistics during planning and execution phases


• Support audits and assessments related to sustainment, logistics, and CUI handling


• Maintain documentation in accordance with contractual and regulatory standards Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications/Skills

• Experience supporting major aviation defense acquisition programs


• Direct experience supporting F-35


• Experience supporting NAVAIR, NAVSUP, Air Staff, USAF MAJCOM headquarters, Program Executive Offices, or F-35 JPO

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will demonstrate subject matter expertise in support in planning, analyzing, and executing product support and sustainment strategies for complex defense systems, including 5th generation platforms such as the F-35. Additionally, demonstrate work across Integrated Product Teams to ensure systems are affordable, supportable, and mission-ready throughout the life cycle, with a focus on performance-based logistics, readiness, and cost optimization.

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.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Salary Range (DMV Market)

$120K-$190K annually

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.