Research Analyst – Operational Test and Evaluation - Entry Level PhD

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

Job summary

IDA is seeking a highly analytical researcher to support the Operational Evaluation Division in Alexandria, VA. The role requires designing and analyzing tests of military and space systems, delivering independent assessments to senior government leaders.

You will present findings to officials, travel ~25%, obtain TS/SCI clearance, and contribute to mission-focused, non-profit defense analytics.

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication required.
• Willingness to travel approx. 25%.
• Background check successful completion required.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance.
• PhD in STEM or Master’s with specified experience.
• Military experience in strategic or missile defense is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, observe, and analyze operational testing of military/space systems.
• Conduct independent analyses of test results for effectiveness and survivability.
• Present findings to high-level officials and Congress through reports and briefings.
• Work independently and in small teams to advocate for thorough testing.

Skills

Communication

Security clearance

Background check

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD in STEM

Master's degree + 6+ years

Military experience (defense)

Tools

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

Apply your analytical skills to support the Department of War’s operational assessment of military strategic and missile defense systems. Provide rigorous independent analysis and insights to key decision-makers in the Department and Congress to ensure that our warfighters are equipped with operationally effective and suitable systems. Make a tangible impact for mission-driven work with great pay and benefits.

About IDA

This position is part of IDA’s Operational Evaluation Division (OED), located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. IDA is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that delivers objective, rigorous analysis on the nation’s toughest national security, technology, and science policy challenges. Our work is team-based, multi-disciplinary, and deeply impactful to national defense.

What does research look like in this position?

• Plan, design, observe, and analyze operational testing of military strategic and space systems to assess whether systems meet end-user needs under realistic conditions in conducting their missions, including human factors such as usability.
• Conduct independent, in-depth analyses of test results to assess the effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of systems against realistic threats. Analyses will provide the Office of the Secretary of War and Congressional leadership with independent assessments of system capabilities.
• Work independently, and in small teams, to advocate for adequate testing, ensuring that military systems are safe, effective, and suitable. Work closely with government official responsible for the planning, development, and executions of tests.
• Develop firsthand knowledge of systems by participating in Department-wide working groups, attending test events, and analyzing results.
• Present findings to mid- and senior-level officials (e.g., presidential appointees, generals, admirals, etc.) through oral presentations and written reports.

What qualifications and skill-sets do you need?

Required:

• Candidate must meet one of the following education/experience combinations:
  • PhD in a STEM field (such as Physics, Aerospace, Biophysics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Engineering (such as Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering), Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Operations Research, or any other data-intensive research field; OR
  • Master’s degree (same fields as above) along with 6+ years of work experience in research, system design/engineering, system operations, or policy; OR
  • Master's degree (same fields as above) combined with military experience in strategic or missile defense systems
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Availability to travel approximately 25% time.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

Preferred:

• Prior military, DoW acquisition, and/or test and evaluation experience.
• Knowledgeable in missile systems, radar systems, command and control systems, aerospace engineering, or modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with statistical software or programming languages used in research, engineering, testing, and analysis automation (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).

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.

What are the next steps?

• Complete the application and submit your resume.
• The application process consists of three interviews.
  • A short screening call with HR;
  • A 30 min – 60 min screening call with researchers; and
  • Full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a presentation on a research project.
• Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:
  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
  • 3 letters of recommendation; and
  • A writing sample.

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.