Research Analyst - Test & Evaluation - Military/Government Experience

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plan with 10% contribution

Flexible work environment

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Virginia is seeking an experienced Research Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D). You will design and execute Test and Evaluation frameworks, perform technical analyses of military systems, and translate data into actionable insights for senior DoW leadership.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a quantitative field (or a Master’s with 6+ years) and demonstrate experience in DoW operations, communication, and security

Qualifications

• The candidate has a Ph.D. in a quantitative field (Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) with 3+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's with 6+ years.
• Experience in military systems analysis and DoW operations is required.
• Strong technical communication skills and ability to work in small teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance; criminal background check required.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute Test and Evaluation frameworks to assess systems performance.
• Conduct technical analyses of systems’ effectiveness, suitability, survivability.
• Utilize data analytics and visualization to translate complex datasets into actionable insights.
• Produce high-impact reports and briefings for senior DoW leadership.

Skills

Data analysis

Technical communication

DoD operations

Security clearance

Education

Ph.D. in quantitative field

Master's degree with 6+ years experience

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking an experienced Research Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D). This role is designed for a technical expert capable of conducting rigorous analyses of complex military systems to inform Department of War (DoW) acquisition and operational decisions.

The role will plan, analyze, and report on the assessments of systems that support one or more critical application areas such as: multi-domain collaborative autonomy, contested logistics, counter-unmanned aerial systems, countering adversary targeting (C-C5ISRT), long-range fires, space systems, command and control systems, homeland defense and low-cost munitions. You will participate in and eventually lead studies that evaluate system capabilities, assess performance in contested environments, and provide defensible technical recommendations to senior decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute Test and Evaluation (T&E) frameworks to assess systems performance
• Conduct technical analyses of systems’ effectiveness, suitability, survivability
• Utilize data analytics and visualization to translate complex technical datasets into actionable insights.
• Produce high-impact reports and briefings for technical and non-technical audiences, including senior DoW leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of DoW operations, acquisition lifecycle or test and evaluation.
• Education: Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry, Mathematics, with at least 3 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in military systems analysis.
• Communication: Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to work in small, high-performing research teams.
• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
• Travel: Domestic or international travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications- The following experience is not required but will significantly strengthen an application:

• Military Experience: Prior military background or experience working directly with military operators and operational commands.
• Experience areas: Space systems, long-range fires, or missile defense.
• Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI security clearance; prior experience with Special Access Programs (SAP).
• Strategic Analysis: Experience designing studies that evaluate capabilities in the context of operational concepts and requirements in order to influence acquisition decisions.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in writing production-quality code in MATLAB, C++, or Python.

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. 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.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.