Missile Defense and Space Systems Research Analyst
About the role
Apply your analytical skills to support the Department of War’s operational assessment of missile defense and space systems. As part of the Operational Evaluation Division (OED) at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) in Alexandria, VA, you will provide rigorous, independent analysis to key national decision-makers and Congress.
Responsibilities
Test Planning and Evaluation: Plan, design, observe, and conduct independent, in-depth analyses of operational testing for missile defense and space systems.
Mission Threat Assessment: Analyze test results to evaluate system capabilities, limitations, and survivability against realistic threats throughout complete mission threads.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with government officials responsible for test execution and participate in Department-wide working groups to develop firsthand system knowledge.
High-Level Briefing: Author written reports and deliver oral presentations of technical findings to mid- and senior-level officials, including presidential appointees, generals, and admirals.
Qualifications
Education & Experience: One of the following combinations in a data-intensive STEM field (e.g., Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research): A PhD degree, a Master’s degree combined with 6+ years of professional experience in research, system engineering, or policy, or a Master's degree combined with relevant military experience in missile defense or space systems.
Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical topics to non-technical audiences.
Clearance & Logistics: Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, pass a background check, and travel approximately 25% of the time.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our warfighters.
A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external training, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
A flat corporate structure that encourages collaboration and ability to choose your own projects.
A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include cafeteria, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping.
Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop.
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.