CHIPS BD & Investment

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 in national security such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Commerce. CIG specializes in supporting major national initiatives by leveraging expertise in business strategy, technology advancements, and national research programs to foster innovation and investment in critical sectors.

We have an upcoming need for a Business Development and Investments Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) CHIPS R&D Office and efforts to develop a national semiconductor capability. This position will focus on strategic partnerships, technology accelerators, and investment readiness to enhance the domestic semiconductor ecosystem under the CHIPS Act. This position will operate out of Northern Virginia in support of customers in the Washington DC Metropolitan region.

Responsibilities

As the Business Development and Investments SME, the candidate will be integral to the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) mission under the CHIPS Act, supporting initiatives to attract investment, foster innovation, and build strategic partnerships in the U.S. semiconductor and microtechnology sectors. Will focus on program planning and management related to the lifecycle of the CHIPS Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), while integrating strategies to engage potential investors, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists. This role also involves identifying opportunities for technology acceleration and scaling startups to achieve long-term semiconductor goals.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lifecycle Support for CHIPS BAA: Provide expertise in developing and managing the BAA process, including drafting requirements, conducting reviews of responses, providing technical feedback, and formulating award recommendations. Oversee awardee organizations to ensure alignment with program goals and deliverables.
• Strategic Partnerships: Identify and establish partnerships with leading semiconductor firms, research institutions, and universities to create a robust ecosystem that promotes collaboration, innovation, and shared resources necessary to attract investment and foster growth.
• Market Analysis and Positioning: Conduct in-depth market research to identify gaps, opportunities, and competitive advantages within the semiconductor sector. Craft compelling value propositions and business strategies to support government initiatives that align with the CHIPS Act.
• Technology Accelerator Support: Collaborate with technology accelerator programs to prepare startups for investment. Build pipelines of investment-ready companies through mentorship programs, access to networks, funding strategies, and investor demo events.
• Investment Planning and Readiness: Advise on strategies to make domestic semiconductor manufacturing and innovation appealing to venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and government sponsors. Guide startups on investor readiness, including refining pitches, demonstrating clear value propositions, and articulating growth potential.
• Strategic Initiatives Around CHIPS Act Goals: Align business strategies with U.S. government priorities under the CHIPS Act to position the domestic semiconductor sector as a national priority. Enable early-stage investments and entrepreneurial ventures to scale effectively within the U.S. semiconductor market.
• Narrative and Value Proposition Development: Assist startups and organizations in creating compelling narratives to engage stakeholders and promote their unique contributions to the semiconductor ecosystem. Leverage storytelling as a tool to align vision with practicality for wide-ranging audiences.
• Long-Term Planning and Innovation: Provide ongoing advisory services to inform research and development priorities, technology transitions, and new initiatives required to reshape the U.S. semiconductor industry for global competitiveness.

Qualifications

Required:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related technical field with experience in business development or technology investments.
• 8+ years of experience in business strategy, programs targeting innovation ecosystems, or investment promotion, specifically within semiconductor or advanced technology sectors.
• Strong background in identifying and securing strategic partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and academia, especially in fields related to microtechnology and semiconductors.
• Demonstrated expertise in supporting lifecycle processes for BAAs, including drafting requirements, evaluating proposals, and overseeing awardee organizations.
• Experience advising startups or organizations on investment readiness and growth, including value proposition development, pitch refinement, and investor engagement.
• Understanding of technology accelerators, mentorship programs, and their role in fostering a pipeline of investment-ready startups.
• Familiarity with government R&D programs, particularly the CHIPS Act and its objectives to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a Public Trust.

Desired:

• MBA or equivalent degree with specialization in entrepreneurship, technology management, or strategic initiatives.
• Proven experience in venture capital, startup accelerators, or other avenues for funding innovation in semiconductor or advanced technology sectors.
• Knowledge of semiconductor technology trends, including device architectures, manufacturing processes, and market evolution.
• Experience advising government or industry leadership on strategic investments, business models, or capability scaling for national priorities.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Federal-level R&D funding mechanisms, including Broad Agency Announcements and cooperative agreements.
• Expertise in creating narratives that align business strategy with technical goals and government priorities under the CHIPS Act.
• Understanding of international semiconductor markets and how U.S. efforts align with global competition.
• Familiarity with SmartSheet, PowerBI, Power Automate, and Qualtrics.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis, and automating survey data.