Senior Defense Readiness, Maintenance, and Supply Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plan with 10% contribution

Flexible work environment

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) seeks a skilled defense data analyst to contribute to logistics and readiness research within a national defense context. You will work on a diverse set of projects, analyzing maintenance and supply data and communicating insights to senior officials.

You will transform unstructured problems into actionable models, collaborate with the Sustainment Group in S3D, and present findings that help optimize readiness while supporting mission-driven work in a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field or data-intensive discipline.
• 6+ years of experience in military logistics, maintenance, or supply.
• Experience with data-driven analysis and unstructured problem solving.
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis using a language such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Ability to explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Security clearance capability and ability to obtain sponsorship; background check completed.

Responsibilities

• Formulate research questions from unstructured problems and messy data.
• Use mathematical modeling and data science methods to derive insights for readiness optimization.
• Explore raw data from DOW databases and contribute to the data processing pipeline.
• Conduct independent research while collaborating with the group to develop new methods.
• Present findings to mid- and senior-level Defense officials through oral and written reports.

Skills

Data analysis

Military logistics experience

Security clearance (required)

Education

Master's degree or PhD in STEM or data-intensive field

Tools

R

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Contribute to logistics and readiness research over a diverse project portfolio in the national defense domain. Make a tangible impact for mission-driven work with great pay and benefits.

The Department of War spends hundreds of billions of dollars every year on operating and maintaining its weapon systems across all warfare domains. Despite these investments, it can be challenging to understand why and how weapons systems fail to meet readiness targets or to understand where improvements can be made to improve readiness.

The Sustainment Group in IDA's Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) is at the forefront of providing cutting-edge analyses to address this challenge. We work with large amounts of maintenance and contract data logged by military personnel, employ statistical and machine learning techniques to estimate underlying patterns, and build data-driven models to support the Department of War optimize uptime for existing equipment in the interest of national defense.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to use their hard-earned data analysis and research skills to contribute to our nation's defense in an independent, nonprofit research environment.

What is the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)?

IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

What does research look like in this position?

• Formulate research questions out of unstructured problems and messy data.
• Use mathematical modeling and data science methods (statistical analysis, visualization, data wrangling, machine learning, etc.) to turn data into key insights about how the government can better manage its resources.
• Explore raw data from DOW databases and contribute to our data processing pipeline, which gives us an end-to-end picture of the DOW sustainment system.
• Conduct independent research on complex topics while collaborating closely with the larger research group to develop new methods and tools.
• Present findings to mid- and senior-level Defense officials (i.e., presidential appointees, generals, admirals, etc.) through oral presentations and written reports.

What qualifications and skill-sets do you need?

• Master's degree or PhD in a STEM field (such as Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Biology, Computer Science) or Operations Research, Data Science, or any other data-intensive research field.
• 6+ years of experience relating to military logistics, maintenance, and/or supply, either in a hands-on or supervisory role, and an ability to relate your experience to the broader context of readiness modeling and analysis.

* Experience with data-driven analysis, statistical principles, and unstructured problem solving

• Must have experience using computer programming for data processing and analysis with a language such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
• Must be able to clearly explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Military service is valued but not required.
• Successful completion of a background check is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance with IDA sponsorship
• Occasional travel is expected.

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. 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.

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