Research Analyst - Modeling & Simulation

What is the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)?

IDA is a non-profit that 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. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach.

IDA has an immediate opening in the Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D) for a Research Analyst with technical expertise and modeling, coding and data analysis skills. The ideal candidate is eager to support the broad spectrum of research conducted in S3D, including technical support to Golden Dome, one of the nation’s highest defense priorities, and is also an expert in their respective field. S3D explores topics that span the technology life cycle, from basic science, system implementation and analyses, and the sustainment of deployed systems. Example tasks included assessing the performance and survivability of individual military or intelligence systems; modeling the impact of new technologies and weapons concepts on warfighting effectiveness; determining the effectiveness of various force mixes in a mission or campaign context; observing tests and evaluating systems in development; assessing the physical security of critical infrastructure; and aiding government decision-making for investments in weapon system sustainment. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in a collegial atmosphere that encourages independent thinking, teamwork, and objective results. IDA provides an inclusive work environment and a comprehensive and competitive salary and benefits package.  

Responsibilities

Research Analysts are responsible for contributing to scientifically sound research and providing technical review for others’ research products. IDA addresses diverse and ever-changing topics. Research Analysts are expected to be adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to life-long learning; capable of working independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary research team; and able to work multiple projects concurrently. Specific research-related activities expected of Research Analysts include:

• Develop and maintain relationships with potential sponsors and stakeholders in the national security community to identify emerging issues.
• Engage effectively with sponsors to understand their issues and constraints, and develop responsive research plans.
• Formulate research questions that address sponsors’ challenging and complex problems, and are informed by the broader context of national security.
• Identify key factors of the issue under study, and create and execute appropriate quantitative analytic methodologies, including novel computational and model-based approaches.
• Interact with government officials, military personnel, and other subject matter experts during the research process.
• Analyze, evaluate, and integrate data and model results to develop strategic and actionable insights.
• Prepare reports and presentations documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations and effectively communicate the results of IDA’s analysis to sponsors and selected audiences.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related quantitative field

• 5+ years of Python development experience, including object-oriented design and software engineering best practices

•  Demonstrated experience in space systems analysis — orbital mechanics, ISR collection modeling, and C2/kill-chain concepts

•  Experience developing or contributing to modeling & simulation tools in a research or defense analysis context

• Successful completion of a background check is required.

Preferred

• Familiarity with satellite sensor modeling (SAR, EO/IR, SIGINT) including performance metrics like SNR and NIIRS

• Experience with astrodynamics libraries (Poliastro, STK, GMAT) or orbit propagation frameworks

• Background in signal processing, geolocation (TDOA/FDOA), or related sensing phenomenology

• Experience with data visualization tools (Plotly, Dash, Cesium) for simulation output

• Prior work in a federally funded research or defense analysis environment (FFRDC, UARC, national lab)

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.

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 $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.