Radar Systems & RF Research Analyst

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

10% retirement plan contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work environment

Paid time off

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking an experienced Radar Systems Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) in the United States. You will build and analyze radar models and RF environments to inform DoW priorities and trade-offs between radar designs.

You will lead studies, contribute to interdisciplinary teams, and deliver defensible technical recommendations to senior decision-makers, with opportunities to present findings in briefs and reports.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related quantitative field with at least 3 years of relevant experience beyond Ph.D. academic work, or Master’s degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience beyond academic work.
• Demonstrated expertise in radar systems design, radar signal processing, or military radar operations.
• Ability to write code in C++, Python, or MATLAB.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in small, high-performing research teams.
• Strong technical communication skills.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
• Travel (domestic or international) may be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create technical models of radar systems and radar signal processing.
• Assess radar design trade-offs and how they propagate to overall system performance, such as detection, tracking, and discrimination capabilities.
• Model real-world RF environments (e.g., accounting for clutter, RF propagation effects, and congested/contested environments).
• Design, simulate, and evaluate common electronic attack (EA) techniques.
• Independently identify and propose research efforts that address DoW gaps and needs in radar and radio frequency systems.
• Produce well-constructed briefings and reports to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Work on an interdisciplinary team of technical analysts where creativity and initiative are encouraged.

Skills

Radar systems design

Radar signal processing

C++/Python/MATLAB

Security clearance TS/SCI

Technical communication

Independent research

Education

Ph.D. in Engineering/Physics/Math

Master's degree in related field

Tools

AFSIM

Simulink

RF propagation tools

EM simulation software

Job description

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking an experienced Radar Systems Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) in the United States. You will build and analyze radar models and RF environments to inform DoW priorities and trade-offs between radar designs.

You will lead studies, contribute to interdisciplinary teams, and deliver defensible technical recommendations to senior decision-makers, with opportunities to present findings in briefs and reports.