Research Analyst - Missile Systems

RPMGlobal; Alexandria, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) seeks a Research Analyst in the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division to model missiles and missile defense concepts. The candidate should understand ballistic and hypersonic missiles and have strong data-analysis skills.

Ideal applicants hold advanced degrees and have experience with Python, C++, and AFSIM, plus the ability to communicate technical results to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years’ experience working with missile systems.
• Master’s Degree or Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Practical experience using Python, C++, and AFSIM for analysis.
• Familiarity with intelligence assessments in the topic area.
• Demonstrated research accomplishments in the field of study.
• Ability to develop analytic methodologies, collect and process data, and summarize insights.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with an integrated team of analysts to understand and evaluate missile concepts.
• Serve as an expert on developmental missiles and the current state of technology.
• Work independently and with teams on analyses supporting modeling and simulation of missiles and missile defenses.
• Produce high-quality reports and presentations summarizing analytic results.

Skills

Missile systems

Data analysis

Python

C++

AFSIM

Communication

Security clearance

Education

Master’s degree in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering or Physics

Doctorate in a related field

Tools

Python

C++

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.

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.

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.