Missile Defense and Space Systems Research Analyst
About The Position
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. Your insights will ensure that warfighters are equipped with systems that are safe, effective, suitable, and survivable under realistic operational conditions. IDA operates as a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) dedicated to answering the nation’s toughest national security and technology challenges through objective, team-based research.
Requirements
- A PhD degree in a data-intensive STEM field (e.g., Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research).
- A Master’s degree combined with 6+ years of professional experience in research, system engineering, or policy in a data-intensive STEM field.
- A Master's degree combined with relevant military experience in missile defense or space systems in a data-intensive STEM field.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical topics to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
- Ability to pass a background check.
- Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in military operations, Department of War acquisition, or operational test and evaluation (OT&E).
- Domain expertise in some of the following areas: radars, missile systems, missile warning and tracking, command and control, satellite communications, orbital dynamics, or modeling and simulation tools.
- Proficiency with statistical software and programming languages used for engineering and analysis automation, such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
Responsibilities
- Plan, design, observe, and conduct independent, in-depth analyses of operational testing for missile defense and space systems.
- Analyze test results to evaluate system capabilities, limitations, and survivability against realistic threats throughout complete mission threads.
- Collaborate closely with government officials responsible for test execution and participate in Department-wide working groups to develop firsthand system knowledge.
- Author written reports and deliver oral presentations of technical findings to mid- and senior-level officials, including presidential appointees, generals, and admirals.
Benefits
- Exceptional health insurance options
- Generous paid time off
- 10 paid holidays
- 10% corporate contribution of your base salary to your retirement plan after six months of service
- Generous tuition reimbursement
- Structured internal/external training
- Funding for researcher-pitched projects
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
- Flexible work hours
- Up to $340/month in commuter benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
