Research Analyst

Socket.dev; Edwards Air Force Base (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA is seeking Research Analysts for the Advanced Technology Assessment division in California (Pt. Mugu and Edwards AFB). The role involves leading portions of complex studies, developing analytic frameworks, and delivering data-driven assessments of defense technologies and programs.

Minimum education is a Master’s in STEM or PhD preferred, with 0+ years for PhD or 2+ years for Master’s. Remote work is not eligible; relocation assistance is provided along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in STEM or equivalent experience; PhD preferred.
• PhD & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of research experience.
• Strong analytical curiosity and creativity; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to structured studies; develop analytic frameworks.
• Maintain institutional knowledge of sponsors and issues.
• Collaborate within teams; identify opportunities for cross-team work.
• Support business development and client relationships through high-quality work.
• Interact with sponsors under supervision; contribute to publications.
• Communicate results clearly; present to colleagues and sponsors.
• Lead small project tasks; manage own activities under supervision.
• Provide guidance to colleagues and take responsibility for outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Education

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD preferred

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

These positions are located at NAS Pt. Mugu, CA and Edwards AFB, CA.

CNAis hiring for Research Analysts to join theirAdvanced Technology Assessment (ATA) Division.

Staff at this level will be leading smaller/less complex activitiesor will be serving as an important contributing team member on projects.

As part of the Department of the Navy’s Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), CNA’sAdvanced Technology Assessments (ATA) division provides analysis that evaluates the military utility and efficacy of emerging defense technologies and prototypes, operational test and evaluation of DoD programs of record, and tactics development and resourcing decisions for existing naval aircraft.

Analyses from ATA help the Navy make data-informed resourcing, training, and modernization decisions for new and existing defense technologies, with a focus on naval aircraft. Our research supports defense innovation programs to ensure operational effectiveness and lethality and to maintain the technological superiority of US military forces. ATA also contributes independent analyses to the testing of new aviation systems and the development of tactics to optimize the effectiveness of existing aircraft.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are lookingfor creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1. With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA’s quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems. With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards. Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.

2. Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.

3.Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Keeps others informed. Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics. Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.

4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.

5. Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.

6. Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.

7.Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion. Effectively communicates one‑on‑one and in groups. Can document work efficiently and accurately. Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.

8.Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects. Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks. Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities. May lead small projects under the supervision of an RTL/CMD.

9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors. Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks. Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum master’s degree in science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), aeronautical engineeringor equivalent experience, PhD preferred.

2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.

3. Skills: Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses; Strong analytic curiosity/ creativity; Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments; Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment; Strong critical thinking skills; Knowledge of research techniques; Strong planning and organizational skills; Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.

4. Remote/Hybrid Work Eligibility:This position is not eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements. Occasional flexible work schedule may be possible at the discretion of the Supervisor.

5. Relocation:Relocation assistance is provided

6. Other: An active final Secret security clearance is required at time of hire and the ability to maintain a security clearance.

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification. CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non‑merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster, "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions required to access classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.