Research Associate - Missile Defense Systems

RPMGlobal; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 69,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

IDA's Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division seeks a research associate in Colorado to analyze C2BMC/BOA elements of MDS and support system-level testing. The role involves quantitative analysis, data handling, and presenting findings to senior leaders.

Based at Schriever SFB, the team collaborates with government officials and contractors, with occasional travel. A strong math/engineering background and data manipulation skills are required.

Qualifications

• Ability to collect, organize, synthesize and analyze data and report conclusions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.
• Data parsing, filtering and manipulation experience; MATLAB preferred.
• Capable of explaining complex ideas to senior leaders and technical analysts.

Responsibilities

• Support test planning and execution for C2BMC/BOA elements.
• Conduct independent analyses of test results and identify issues.
• Direct the efforts of other analysts and support real‑world missile launches.
• Present findings to mid- and senior-level military and civilian leaders across MDA.

Education

Master’s degree in relevant quantitative disciplines plus 4+ years experience

Bachelor’s degree plus 6+ years experience

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

The Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) has an immediate opening for a research associate at Schriever SFB, Colorado to support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in analysis of the Command Control Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) and the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Architecture (BOA) elements of the Missile Defense System (MDS) in system level testing. 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 encouraging rigorous, independent research on challenging and complex issues. IDA provides an inclusive work environment and a comprehensive, competitive salary and benefits package

Responsibilities

The C2BMC and BOA analysis group within S3D provides independent, technically rigorous analysis and decision support to MDA officials on the test and evaluation of these elements within the Missile Defense System (MDS) and will in due course require a very deep understanding of those systems. Based in support of the C2BMC program at the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center (MDIOC) in Colorado Springs, the group evaluates all aspects of C2BMC and BOA performance, including maintaining a consistent integrated air picture, providing situational awareness, managing sensors, and assessing system interoperability. Analysts support test planning and execution, conduct independent and in-depth analyses of test results, identify issues and anomalies, direct the efforts of other analysts, and support real-world missile launch events, presenting findings to mid- and senior-level military and civilian leaders across MDA. The work involves close interaction with government officials and contractors responsible for planning and executing MDS tests, as well as those responsible for developing, fielding, and operating C2BMC, BOA and other MDS systems. It requires strong scientific and technical skills, particularly quantitative analysis, and is conducted both independently and in small teams. Occasional travel may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Candidates must have one of the following education/experience combinations:
  • A Master’s degree in Material Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Biology, Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Computer Science or a quantitative interdisciplinary program that encompasses one of these areas of focus discipline coupled with 4+ years’ experience; OR
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Material Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Biology, Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Data Science, Physics, Computer Science or a quantitative interdisciplinary program that encompasses one of these areas of focus discipline coupled with 6+ years’ experience.
• Ability to collect, organize, synthesize and analyze data; summarize findings, develop and report conclusions. Able to problem solve in a clear and concise manner, have strong communication skills and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience with data parsing, filtering and manipulation; MATLAB preferred.
• Must be capable of expressing complex ideas and concepts to both senior leaders and other technical analysts.
• Current DOD Secret Security Clearance required.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• This position is located at at Schriever SFB, Colorado.

Why IDA?

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 $68,681 - $1194,054. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.