Research Analyst – Air Warfare

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is an independent, non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). This position falls under our Systems and Analyses Center in Alexandria, VA. We provide objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges to the Department of War and other federal government agencies.

Position Overview

This position is in IDA’s Operational Evaluation Division (OED). OED collaborates with civilian government agencies to independently test and evaluate military technology to provide our warfighters with safe, effective, and usable military systems and ensure taxpayer funds are used appropriately.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Assist in the design, planning, and observation of operational tests of fighter and bomber aircraft, uncrewed air vehicles, sensors, electronic warfare systems, and command and control systems.
• Analyze test data, which may include performance, survey, reliability, modeling and simulation, streaming sensor, or other types of data.
• Analyze mission threads and assess operational risk based on demonstrated system performance.
• Assist in the preparation of documents (e.g., briefings and reports on the design, conduct, and findings of operational tests, that clearly present findings from analyses).
• Communicate effectively to mid- and senior-level civilian and military officials regarding findings from operational tests in a clear, professional manner.

Skills & Qualifications

• Education
  • PhD in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, Astronomy, Operational Research, Military Science, or a related field coupled with 5+ years operational or commercial experience OR
  • Master’s Degree in one of these fields coupled with 10+ years operational or commercial experience
• Eagerness to collaborate on research as part of a team. Willingness to speak publicly on your work and defend research to a skeptical audience.
• Military or civilian DoD acquisition or test experience.
• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for obtaining a TS/SCI clearance. Having a current TS/SCI is desired.
• Willingness to travel.
• Must successfully complete a background check.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience with military or civilian aircraft operations, acquisition, and testing is desired.

• Experience with advanced aviation technologies, such as low observable technologies, air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, advanced sensors, communications systems, electronic warfare systems, or data links, is desired.

• Military or civilian DoD acquisition or test experience.

Why work at IDA?

• 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; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL);
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours;
• Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
• 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 gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $325/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What are the next steps?

• Complete the application and submit your resume.
• The application process consists of three interviews.

• Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:

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 $67,434 -$263,335. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.