Institute for Defense Analyses

Research Analyst - Test & Evaluation - PhD

Institute for Defense Analyses$113K — $277K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Strong understanding of DoW operations, acquisition lifecycle, or test and evaluation.
  • Ph.D. in a quantitative field with 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in military systems analysis.
  • Excellent technical communication skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
  • Domestic or international travel may be required.

Responsibilities

  • Design and execute Test and Evaluation (T&E) frameworks for system performance assessment.
  • Conduct technical analyses of system effectiveness and survivability.
  • Utilize data analytics to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.
  • Produce high-impact reports for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Participate in evaluations of system capabilities in contested environments.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • 10% contribution to a Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service.
  • Flexible work environment promoting work-life balance.
  • Paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off.
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
Full Job Description
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), and 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, or Chemistry, Mathematics, with at least 3 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- The following experience is not required but will significantly strengthen an application:
  • Military Experience: Prior military background or experience working directly with military operational commands.
  • Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI security clearance; prior experience with Special Access Programs (SAP).
  • Strategic Analysis: Experience designing studies that influence operational concepts, requirements, or acquisition decisions within the context of scenarios, such as contested logistics.
  • Software Proficiency: Proficiency in writing production-quality code in MATLAB, C++, or Python.


What are the next steps?
  • Complete the application and submit your resume.
  • The application process consists of three interviews.
    • A short screening call with HR;
    • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
    • Full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a presentation on a research project.
  • Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide:
    • Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
    • 3 letters of recommendation; and
    • A writing sample.

Benefits

At IDA, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive benefits package that ensures the well-being and security of our staff and their families. We provide a range of medical plans as well as stand-alone dental and vision coverage. Our retirement plans are designed to secure the financial future of our staff, featuring a generous contribution of 10% of base salary to our Qualified Retirement Plan after six months of service. We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance with a flexible work environment, an Employee Assistance Plan, paid parental leave, 10 paid holidays, and generous paid time off. IDA encourages professional development and offers tuition reimbursement and other learning opportunities. Learn more about our robust benefit offerings here.

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.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

About Institute for Defense Analyses

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation that provides scientific and technical research and analysis to the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies. IDA was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The organization employs over 1,200 scientists, engineers, and analysts who conduct research in a variety of fields, including national security, science and technology, and social sciences. IDA is governed by a board of trustees, which is composed of senior executives from the defense industry, academia, and government.
Learn more about Institute for Defense Analyses
Size
1,200 employees
Industry
Founded
1956

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