Research Analyst - Missile Systems

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

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Alexandria, VA, has an opening for a Research Analyst in the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division. The role focuses on modeling missile systems, missile defenses, and related concepts, requiring experience with simulations and data analysis.

Responsibilities include collaborating with analysts, evaluating concepts, producing high-quality reports, and presenting results.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of missile systems experience or study.
• Master's or PhD in a relevant field preferred.
• Proficiency with Python, C++, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to communicate complex technical results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with analysts to evaluate missile and defense concepts.
• Serve as an expert on developmental missiles and tech state.
• Model and simulate missiles and defenses independently or in teams.
• Produce reports and presentations summarizing analytic results.

Skills

Python

C++

Data analysis

AFSIM

Education

Master's degree in Aeronautical/ Astronautical Engineering or Physics

PhD in related field

Tools

AFSIM

Job description

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate opening in the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) for a Research Analyst. The ideal candidate has experience in modeling domestic and foreign missile systems and a knowledge of missile capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with an integrated team of analysts to understand and evaluate concepts for missile and missile defense systems.
• Serve as an expert on developmental missiles and the current state of technology, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and other concepts.
• Work independently and collaboratively on analyses supporting the modeling and simulation of missiles and missile defenses.
• Produce high-quality reports and presentations summarizing analytic results.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years’ experience working with or studying missile systems.
• Master’s Degree or Doctorate (preferred) in Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Practical experience using computer languages and data analysis tools such as Python, C++, and AFSIM.
• The ideal candidate will have familiarity with intelligence assessments in the topic area.
• A demonstrated record of research accomplishments in the field of study.
• A demonstrated ability to develop analytic methodologies, collect and process data, and summarize significant analytic insights.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Significant interest in Department of Defense issues, military operations, and related subjects.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
• Travel (domestic or international) may be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI level security clearance.

Research Analysts are responsible for contributing to scientifically sound research and providing technical review for others’ research products. IDA addresses diverse and ever-changing topics. Research Analysts are expected to be adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to life-long learning; capable of working independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary research team; and able to work multiple projects concurrently.

We are committed to creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment; it permeates our culture, policies, and practices. We strive to provide a respectful and supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. Click here to view our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

Benefits

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 10% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

Pay

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $113,353 - $277,494. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.