Senior Research Specialist

BryceTech LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in defense technology is seeking a Senior Research Specialist to support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in defense policy and acquisition, demonstrating strong analytical and leadership skills to drive mission-critical outcomes.

Benefits

Comprehensive health plan

Dental and vision coverage

Company-paid life & disability insurance

401(k) plan with company match

Educational reimbursement program

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years in DOD policy, product support, and logistics.
• Executive level support experience within DoD and federal agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-complexity research projects aligned with OUSD(A&S) objectives.
• Draft white papers, decision memos, and policy briefs for senior DoD stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

BA/BS degree

Master’s degree

Tools

SPSS

R

Python

SQL

Microsoft Access

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Qualtrics

SurveyMonkey

EndNote

Zotero

Job description

BryceTech is a trusted leader in complex technology domains, delivering data-driven solutions in aerospace, biosecurity, and defense. We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, and R&D program and strategic advisory support. Our clients – including NASA, DoD, HHS, DHS, and other civil and national security agencies – rely on us to drive mission success and accelerate innovation.

BryceTech has been recognized in theWashington TechnologyFast 50 ranking of top high-growth small businesses for four consecutive years and received a GovCon Contractor of the Year Award in 2023, underscoring our strong growth, competitive positioning, and excellence in federal contracting. With a proven track record of winning sought after contracts, scaling high-performance teams, and executing on critical government missions, BryceTech presents a compelling opportunity for strategic partnerships in the GovCon space.

Job Description

BryceTech is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Specialist to support our client, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), at the Department of Defense. This role requires deep expertise in defense policy, acquisition, and sustainment, with a proven ability to lead complex research initiatives supporting senior decision-makers. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills to drive mission-critical outcomes in a dynamic policy environment.

Customer Background Information: The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense on all matters related to acquisition, sustainment, logistics, industrial policy, and defense procurement across the Department of Defense (DoD). OUSD(A&S) is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing policies that enable the delivery of defense capabilities effectively, efficiently, and affordably in support of national security objectives.

OUSD(A&S) leads initiatives to modernize acquisition processes, strengthen the defense industrial base, promote innovation, and ensure the lifecycle sustainment of military systems. The office also provides oversight of key areas including supply chain resilience, operational energy, environmental and safety compliance, and materiel readiness to maintain military effectiveness and global competitiveness.

Minimum Knowledge and Description of the work:

• Proficiency with tools like SPSS, R, Python (pandas, NumPy), or SAS for designing studies, analyzing datasets, and interpreting statistical results.
• Experience with SQL or database platforms like Microsoft Access, MySQL, or PostgreSQL to organize, retrieve, and manage research data efficiently.
• Skilled in using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), literature reviews, and citation management tools like EndNote or Zotero.
• Lead and provide technical guidance and direction for multiple high-complexity research projects aligned with OUSD(A&S) objectives.
• Conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research on defense acquisition and sustainment topics.
• Synthesize complex technical, policy, and programmatic information into actionable insights.
• Draft white papers, decision memos, policy briefs, and presentations for senior DoD stakeholders.
• Support strategic initiatives related to defense industrial base, innovation, and modernization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across DoD and interagency partners.
• Track and assess emerging technologies and trends impacting defense acquisition.
• Provide expert-level input on acquisition reform, supply chain resilience, and lifecycle sustainment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of specialized in DOD policy, product support, and logistics.
• BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university, master’s degree preferred.
• Executive level support experience, experience within DoD and other federal agencies.
• Experience in leading and providing technical guidance and direction involving multiple projects of high complexity.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities.
• Must have outstanding customer service abilities to initiative, judgement, creativity, flexibility, and confidence.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrate high level of professionalism, tact, discretion, and diplomacy when interacting with senior executives and Pentagon staff.
• Must have the ability to multi-task across multiple projects.
• Positive, proactive team player who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Educational Requirements: BA/BS from an accredited college or university, master’s degree preferred

Experience Requirements: 10 years of relative experience

Additional Information

Must posses Active TS/SCI security clearance.

This position is subject to contract award.

BryceTech offers a full range of benefits, including competitive salary, a comprehensive health plan including dental and vision coverage, company-paid life & disability insurance policies, 401(k) plan with company match, and an educational reimbursement program.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.