Missile Defense and Space Systems Analyst - Operational Test and Evaluation Division (OED)

Overview

Apply your analytical skills to support the Department of War’s operational assessment of military missile defense and space systems. Provide rigorous independent analysis and insights to key decision-makers in the Department and Congress to ensure that our warfighters are equipped with operationally effective, suitable, and survivable systems. Make a tangible impact for mission-driven work with great pay and benefits.

This position is part of IDA’s Operational Evaluation Division (OED), located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. IDA is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that delivers objective, rigorous analysis on the nation’s toughest national security, technology, and science policy challenges. Our work is team-based, multi-disciplinary, and deeply impactful to national defense.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, observe, and analyze operational testing of military missile defense and space systems to assess whether systems meet end-user needs under realistic conditions in conducting their missions, including human factors such as usability.
• Conduct independent, in-depth analyses of test results to assess the effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of systems against realistic threats. Analyses will provide the Office of the Secretary of War and Congressional leadership with independent assessments of system capabilities.
• Work independently, and in small teams, to advocate for adequate testing, ensuring that military systems are safe, effective, suitable, and survivable. Work closely with government officials responsible for the planning, development, and executions of tests.
• Develop firsthand knowledge of systems by participating in Department-wide working groups, attending test events, and analyzing results.
• Present findings to mid- and senior-level officials (e.g., presidential appointees, generals, admirals, etc.) through oral presentations and written reports. 
  
   

Qualifications

• Candidate must meet one of the following education/experience combinations:  
  • PhD in a STEM field, such as Physics, Aerospace, Biophysics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Statistics, information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, or Operations Research, or any other data-intensive research field; OR  
  • Master’s degree (same fields as above) along with 6+ years of work experience in research, system design/engineering, system operations, or policy; OR
  • Master's degree (same fields as above) combined with military experience in missile defense or space systems
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical topics to non-technical audiences. 
• Availability to travel approximately 25% time. 
• Successful completion of a background check is required. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. 
   

Preferred 

• Prior military, DOD acquisition, and/or test and evaluation experience.  
• Knowledgeable in missile systems, radar systems, command and control systems, aerospace engineering, or modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with statistical software or programming languages used in research, engineering, testing, and analysis automation (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
   

Why work at IDA?

IDA, as a non-profit, is uniquely positioned to answer the most challenging U.S. security and science questions with objective and rigorous analysis leveraging extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise. This position is located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C.

IDA offers the following benefits and resources to their employees:

• 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

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA's non-profit status.

• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.

• A strong employee and corporate work-life balance, including options for flex time.

• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; and close proximity to local dining and shopping.

• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $315/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

   

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 $112,924-$263,335.  Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.