Research Analyst – Naval Warfare - Entry Level PhD

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Relocation assistance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

IDA’s Operational Evaluation Division seeks an entry-level Naval Warfare Analyst with a PhD or substantial equivalent experience to support OT&E evaluations of naval systems in Alexandria, VA. You will advise high-level officials and interact with government personnel on testing design and results for submarines, ships, and missile systems.

Travel up to 25% is required; security clearance and background checks are prerequisites.

Qualifications

• PhD or 8+ years with master’s in Operations Research, Material Science, Applied Math, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or related field.
• Experience compiling and analyzing quantitative data using Python and R.
• Security eligibility and ability to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Support and advise senior civilian and military officials on OT&E of naval systems, subs and ships.
• Analyze design, execution and results of operational testing and provide independent assessments to OSD.

Skills

Python

R

AI/ML

Education

PhD or 8+ years with master’s in a relevant field

Job description

Naval Warfare Analyst Entry Level PhD – Operational Test and Evaluation

The Operational Evaluation Division (OED) has an immediate career opening for an Analyst supporting the Department of War's assessments of the operational effectiveness and suitability of naval warfare systems. The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers to provide objective analyses of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise. IDA research staff members conduct multi-disciplinary analyses in an environment that encourages rigorous, independent research on challenging and complex issues. IDA provides an inclusive work environment and a comprehensive, competitive salary and benefits package.

Responsibilities

The Analyst will support and advise mid- and senior-level civilian and military officials regarding the operational test and evaluation of Major Defense Acquisition Programs. In particular, the successful candidate will provide analytical support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) regarding the testing and evaluation of submarines, ships, combat systems and missile systems. This analytical support includes analyzing the design, execution, and results of operational testing, and providing an independent assessment to OSD’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation. Close interaction with government officials responsible for the planning, development, and execution of at-sea tests and modeling and simulation runs is required. Travel is required.

Required Qualifications

• PhD or 8+ years experience and a master’s degree in Operations Research, Material Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, National Security, or a quantitative interdisciplinary program that encompasses one of these areas of focus.
• Candidates must have relevant work experience compiling and analyzing quantitative data. Experience with Python, R and AI (LLMs, Machine Learning, Agentic AI etc.)
• Prior-Military, DoD acquisition, or test and evaluation experience is a plus.
• Candidates selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information as required.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• The position is located at IDA’s Alexandria, Virginia headquarters.
• Up to 25% travel is required.

Why work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement;
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL);
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external training, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks and expectation of communication only during core business hours;
• Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
• Flat corporate structure that encourages collaboration and ability to choose your own projects.
• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include cafeteria, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes up to $340/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

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.