Research Associate - Computer Science

Institute for Defense Analyses; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, VA seeks an entry-level software researcher to assist senior staff. You design and implement software systems for research tasks, debug, profile, and optimize code under supervision.

Responsibilities cover communicating with stakeholders, developing robust architectures, maintaining project docs, and contributing to reports. Candidates should have a CS/Engineering degree, Python and full-stack familiarity, and willingness to obtain security

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science/Engineering.
• Programming capability and data analysis or coordination skills.
• Understanding of software architecture and system design principles.
• Knowledge of computer networking preferred.
• Familiarity with Python and full-stack development preferred.
• Strong object-oriented programming and SOLID design knowledge.
• Ability to collaborate in a software development team and obtain security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Designs and implements software systems for research tasks with performance and maintainability in mind.
• Communicates with stakeholders to understand needs and guides architecture and design decisions.
• Maintains project files and databases; reviews literature and data sources.
• Cleans data, summarizes findings, and documents research results.
• Contributes to writing project reports and drafts analyses.
• Prepares and maintains project documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

Object-oriented programming

SOLID design principles

Software architecture concepts

Git/version control

Communication

Team collaboration

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Master's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Git

Linux

SQL

Debugging tools

Job description

Overview

Under direct supervision, provides qualitative and quantitative research support, assisting and supporting work activities of more experienced research staff and other professional staff. Interest in software and architecture design. This is an entry level position.

Responsibilities

1. 1.Designs and implements performant, maintainable, and well-documented software systems in support of research tasks. Performs debugging, performance profiling, and optimization tasks to refine and improve existing code.
2. 2.Communicates with key project stakeholders to understand business needs and leads the development of robust software architectures and designs that address those needs. Provides technical guidance and knowledge transfer to non-Software Engineer team members, including explaining and justifying architectural and design decisions and promoting software engineering best practices.
3. 3.Maintains project files and databases; develops and maintains information sources and contacts; conducts reviews and searches of printed literature and databases, including government databases.
4. 4.Maintains bibliographic and statistical data; performs data cleaning and coding; summarizes and documents contract information, research findings, and other information.
5. 5.Contributes to the writing of project reports or papers as required. Completes research and programming tasks; develops draft reports on research findings and preliminary analyses.
6. 6.Prepares and maintains project documentation.
7. 7.Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• *Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science/Engineering.
• *Computer programming capability, training in data collection, analysis, or project coordination skills may be required or preferred for some positions.
• *Understanding of software architecture and system design principles, including the ability to evaluate and communicate architectural tradeoffs.
• *Knowledge of computer networking preferred.
• *Familiarity with Python preferred.
• *Familiarity with full-stack software development preferred.
• *Strong object-oriented programming skills and knowledge of common object-oriented software design patterns.
• *Demonstrable understanding of SOLID design principles.
• *Ability to collaborate effectively in a software development team, including experience with version control systems and collaborative development practices such as Git-based workflows and code review.
• *Ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances.

Compensation

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 $68,681-$194,054. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Successful completion of a criminalbackground check is required.

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.

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