Research Analyst - Test & Evaluation - Military/Government Experience

About the role

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is seeking an experienced Research Analyst to join the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D). This role is designed for a technical expert capable of conducting rigorous analyses of complex military systems to inform Department of War (DoW) acquisition and operational decisions. The role will plan, analyze, and report on the assessments of systems that support one or more critical application areas such as:

• multi-domain collaborative autonomy
• contested logistics
• counter-unmanned aerial systems
• countering adversary targeting (C-C5ISRT)
• long-range fires
• space systems
• command and control systems
• homeland defense
• low-cost munitions

You will participate in and eventually lead studies that evaluate system capabilities, assess performance in contested environments, and provide defensible technical recommendations to senior decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute Test and Evaluation (T&E) frameworks to assess systems performance
• Conduct technical analyses of systems’ effectiveness, suitability, survivability
• Utilize data analytics and visualization to translate complex technical datasets into actionable insights
• Produce high-impact reports and briefings for technical and non-technical audiences, including senior DoW leadership

Required Qualifications

• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of DoW operations, acquisition lifecycle or test and evaluation
• Education: Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, with at least 3 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree with at least 6 years of relevant experience
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in military systems analysis
• Communication: Excellent technical communication skills with the ability to work in small, high-performing research teams
• Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Successful completion of a criminal background check is required
• Travel: Domestic or international travel may be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior military background or experience working directly with military operators and operational commands
• Experience in space systems, long-range fires, or missile defense
• Active TS/SCI security clearance; prior experience with Special Access Programs (SAP)
• Experience designing studies that evaluate capabilities in the context of operational concepts and requirements in order to influence acquisition decisions
• Proficiency in writing production-quality code in MATLAB, C++, or Python

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans featuring a 10% contribution to the Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service
• Flexible work environment, Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities

Pay

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.