Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist

ARA•Alexandria, VA

1d•$100,000 - $133,000•Remote

About The Position

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is hiring a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multidisciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. The specialist independently designs and conducts evaluations of DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) research, technology development, and operational capability programs. The role supports evidence-building requirements and annual evaluation plans, and works with program managers to help ensure investments produce measurable outcomes for DHS mission components. The position is remote, with occasional travel to the client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C. The stated annual pay range is $100,000–$133,000, based on experience, degree, and relevant skills and knowledge. ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company founded in 1979. It employs over 1,200 professionals and works across areas including defense and civil technologies, software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. Employees are eligible for contributions through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Requirements

Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain DHS Suitability.
Bachelor’s degree with 5–7 years of experience.
Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with evaluation software or tools.
Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience with stakeholder engagement in a technical or operational environment.
Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
Flexibility to recognize when other methods may be appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or Ph.D. with 3–5 years of experience.
Knowledge of DHS S&T mission areas, federal RDT&E lifecycles, and technology transition metrics.
Experience developing Evidence Act evaluation plans, including annual evaluation plans, capacity assessments, and program reviews.

Responsibilities

Lead evaluation design for select S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and DHS Evaluation Policy 102-06.
Develop evaluation questions, methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
Conduct mixed-methods analyses, including statistical analysis, qualitative coding, case studies, and cost-effectiveness assessments.
Develop performance metrics tailored to RDT&E programs and technology transition pathways.
Produce evaluation reports, briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for leadership.
Work with program managers to identify evidence gaps and shape learning agendas.
Provide recommendations to inform investment decisions, project prioritization, and program improvement.
Manage contractor support and coordinate with research partners, laboratories, and DHS operational components.
Ensure ethical, privacy, and security compliance concerning DHS-sensitive data and operational information.