Missile Defense and Space Systems Research Analyst

Missile Defense and Space Systems Research Analyst

Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Planning and Evaluation: Plan, design, observe, and conduct independent, in-depth analyses of operational testing for missile defense and space systems.
• Mission Threat Assessment: Analyze test results to evaluate system capabilities, limitations, and survivability against realistic threats throughout complete mission threads.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate closely with government officials responsible for test execution and participate in Department-wide working groups to develop firsthand system knowledge.
• High-Level Briefing: Author written reports and deliver oral presentations of technical findings to mid- and senior-level officials, including presidential appointees, generals, and admirals.

Qualifications

Required

• Education & Experience: One of the following combinations in a data-intensive STEM field (e.g., Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Operations Research):
  • A PhD degree.
  • A Master's degree combined with 6+ years of professional experience in research, system engineering, or policy.
  • A Master's degree combined with relevant military experience in missile defense or space systems.
• Communication: Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Clearance & Logistics: Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, pass a background check, and travel approximately 25% of the time.

Preferred

• 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.

Why Join IDA?

• Impactful Mission: Engage in meaningful, non-profit work that directly supports and protects the nation's warfighters.
• Industry-Leading Benefits: Exceptional health insurance options, generous paid time off, 10 paid holidays, and a 10% corporate contribution of your base salary to your retirement plan after six months of service.
• Professional Growth: Generous tuition reimbursement, structured internal/external training, funding for researcher-pitched projects, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
• Modern Workspace: Access to a state-of-the-art facility in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, featuring flexible work hours and up to $340/month in commuter benefits near the Potomac Yard Metro.

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.