Senior Research Specialist Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustain[...]

Management Systems International; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading management consultancy in the Washington, D.C. area is seeking a Senior Research Specialist to provide strategic analysis and recommendations for defense programs. This position requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance and at least ten years of specialized experience in DOD policy. Candidates will analyze data, contribute to policy development, and support high-level decision-making processes, collaborating with various stakeholders. The role offers an annual salary in line with industry standards for experienced professionals.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required.
• 10+ years of experience in DOD policy and logistics.
• Experience in providing executive support and technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis to inform defense strategy.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership.
• Support analysis of defense acquisition and sustainment.

Skills

Strategic communication

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (desired)

Job description

Senior Research Specialist Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment U.S. Department of Defense Washington, D.C. Metro Area – Proposal Position

Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world including Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

Proposal Summary:

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) is responsible for leading the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) efforts related to research and development, advanced technology, developmental test and evaluation, production, logistics, installation management, military construction, defense procurement, acquisition policy, environmental and nuclear security, chemical and biological matters, operational energy plans and programs, corrosion policy and oversight, human capital initiatives, as well as small and disadvantaged business management. To accomplish this mission, OUSD(A&S) requires administrative, analytical, and strategic communication support services.

Position Summary:

MSI is seeking a Senior Research Specialist who will be responsible for conducting research, providing analysis, and developing recommendations on a variety of defense programs and projects. The work conducted by the Senior Research Specialist will provide the necessary input for OUSD(A&S) to then develop strategy and policy related to the acquisition and sustainment of defense systems and capabilities. The position will be based in the DC metro area.

** Please note: Only U.S. citizens with a current TS/SCI security clearance, or a TS security clearance with eligibility for SCI, are eligible to apply.**

Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze data from a variety of sources (e.g., technical reports, field data, and policy documents) to inform decision-making processes related to defense acquisition and sustainment.
• Identify emerging technologies, systems, and operational trends that could impact acquisition strategies, lifecycle management, and defense capabilities.
• Conduct or support technical reviews, assessments, and evaluations of new and existing defense systems, technologies, and processes to determine their readiness, effectiveness, and applicability.
• Assist in developing policies and strategies that guide the acquisition, sustainment, and management of defense systems and capabilities.
• Provide input on defense programs and projects by conducting research into specific program requirements, potential risks, and technological feasibility.
• Support cost-effectiveness analyses, risk management strategies, and other assessments to ensure that defense programs are feasible and sustainable over time.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, white papers, and presentations that summarize research findings, technical evaluations, and policy recommendations for senior officials and stakeholders within OUSD(A&S) and across the DoD.
• Create and deliver presentations or briefings to senior leadership, stakeholders, and working groups to communicate research findings and strategic recommendations.
• Work closely with other departments, including acquisition, logistics, and engineering teams, to ensure that research findings align with operational and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with external research organizations, defense contractors, universities, and other government agencies to exchange knowledge and develop new solutions to technical and policy challenges.
• Provide research-driven insights to help shape long-term strategic plans for the acquisition and sustainment of defense systems.
• Assist in the development of budget proposals, resource allocation plans, and financial justifications for research, development, and sustainment projects.

Qualifications:

• Active Top Secret/SCI.
• Bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum of ten (10) years in of specialized in DOD policy, product support, and logistics.
• 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.
• Must have experience in managing customer expectations and working directly with customers.
• Must have outstanding customer service abilities to initiative, judgement, creativity, flexibility, and confidence.
• Must have the ability to multi-task across multiple projects.
• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university is desired.

At MSI, health and safety play a vital role in our success. MSI Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including health orders and regulations related to COVID-19 that are mandated by local, state and federal authorities.

MSI is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer.

Reasonable Accommodations:

If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Proposal and tender opportunity

U.S. Teams and Clients

Institutional Strengthening and Localization (International Development)

About the company

MSI/Tetra Tech addresses the world's most complex challenges by providing our clients clear, sustainable, and responsible solutions.

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