Research Engineer – IDA Center for Computing Sciences

RPMGlobal; Bowie (MD); On-site; USD 115,000 - 265,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical plans

Flexible work environment

Tuition reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking a Research Engineer to address complex computing problems vital to national security. Candidates should possess a strong background in computer science or engineering and demonstrate innovative thinking. Responsibilities include providing technical expertise in areas such as cryptography and high-performance computing while working within multidisciplinary teams. A BS plus 8 years, MS plus 6 years, or a Ph.D. is required. This role offers a competitive salary range of $115,000–$265,000 and an extensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform independent research.
• Proven ability to publish findings and present them orally.
• Able to communicate ideas effectively in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and analytical expertise in cryptography and network defense.
• Engage in research to solve complex computing problems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Independent research

Publishing findings

Oral and written presentation

Innovative thinking

Problem resolution

Working in unstructured environments

Education

BS+8 years or MS+6 years or Ph.D.

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 IDA/CCS 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 siblings, the 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. IDA/CCS 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, IDA/CCS recruitment focuses on self‑motivation, strength of background, and talent, rather than specific area of expertise. A PhD is helpful but not required.

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 $115,000‑$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:

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.

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

Join IDA, where your health, career, and future are in great hands!

Application Materials Required:

Please submit the following items online to complete your application:

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

Summary Statement:

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/science analysis (likely a typo for signal 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/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