Research Engineer – IDA Center for Computing Sciences

Institute for Defense Analyses; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work environment

10 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Institute for Defense Analyses is seeking a Research Engineer at its Center for Computing Sciences in Bowie, Maryland. This role involves addressing challenging computing problems vital to national security, particularly in areas such as cryptography and high-performance computing.

Candidates need a strong background in problem-solving within computer science or engineering, with a minimum education of a Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of experience (or equivalent). A comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary ranging from $115,000 to $265,000 are provided.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include a BS with 8 years of relevant experience.
• Strong record of independent research is essential.
• Experience in publishing and presenting research findings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise for the intelligence community's technical problems.
• Engage in research on cryptography, high-performance computing, and network defense.
• Work on complex problems requiring significant autonomy and innovation.

Skills

Independent research

Publishing findings

Oral and written communication

Innovative thinking

Project management

Interaction with government/industry representatives

Education

BS+8 years or MS+6 years or PhD

Job description

Research Engineer Opportunities – IDA Center for Computing Sciences

The Institute for Defense Analyses Center for Computing Sciences (IDA/CCS) is looking for outstanding researchers to address difficult computing problems vital to the nation's security. IDA/CCS is an independent, applied research center sponsored by the National Security Agency (NSA). Emphasis areas for technical staff include high-performance computing, computer vulnerability research, cryptography, signal processing, and advanced techniques for analyzing extremely complex data sets. Stable funding provides for a vibrant research environment and an atmosphere of intellectual inquiry free of administrative burdens. IDA/CCS and its sibling Centers for Communications Research constitute a non-profit Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) that operates in the public interest, free from organizational conflicts of interest, and can therefore assist the Department of Defense in ways that industry and for-profit contractors cannot.

We're looking for candidates with strong records of solving problems in computer science, physical science, or engineering. Research staff work on complex topics often engaging multidisciplinary teams, so candidates should demonstrate depth in a particular field as well as a broad understanding of computational issues and technology. Because the problems of interest are continually evolving, recruitment focuses on self-motivation, strength of background, and talent, rather than specific area of expertise. A PhD is helpful but not required.

Salary and Benefits

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 $115,00-$265,000. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Benefits at IDA include a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and security of staff and their families. Medical plans, stand-alone dental and vision coverage, a retirement plan with a 10% contribution of base salary after six months of service, a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, generous paid time off, professional development, tuition reimbursement, and other learning opportunities.

Security Clearance

All applicants must be U.S. citizens with an ability to meet security clearance requirements – TS/SCI with polygraph.

Application Materials

• Cover letter explaining your interest in employment with IDA Center for Computing Sciences
• Curriculum vitae
• References: Provide names and contact information of 2-3 professional references who can speak knowledgeably about your research contributions.

Job Responsibilities

Provides technical and analytical expertise in support of IDA’s long-term mandate to help the intelligence community identify and solve difficult technical problems in areas such as cryptography and cryptanalysis, high-performance computing, speech/signals analysis, and network defense and exploitation. Attacking potentially impossible problems requires intellectual breadth, willingness to take risks, and significant autonomy; this research often also requires close attention to how the results will be used, and to the possibility of creating genuinely new scientific ideas.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education/Experience: At minimum, requires BS+8 years of experience or MS+6 years of experience or Ph.D. in a discipline appropriate for the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research
• Proven ability to publish findings and present findings orally
• Able to present ideas, concepts, and theories orally and in writing
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and problem resolution
• Able to work in an unstructured environment and/or on more than one project concurrently
• Able to interact with government or industry representatives
• Travel may be required
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

Equal Opportunity and Accommodations

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 identity, 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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