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 Defense 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.

• 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 test design methods and findings from operational tests in a clear, professional manner.

Skills & Qualifications

• Education:

  • PhD in Physics, Engineering (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical), Chemistry (Theoretical, Nuclear, Physical), Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, Astronomy, or a quantitative interdisciplinary program that encompasses one of these areas of focus coupled with 5+ years operational or commercial experience OR

  • Master's degree in Physics, Engineering (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical), Chemistry (Theoretical, Nuclear, Physical), Applied Mathematics, Materials Science, Astronomy, or a quantitative interdisciplinary program that encompasses one of these areas of focus 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.

• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements for obtaining a TS/SCI clearance. Having a current TS/SCI is desired.

• Willingness to travel.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience with military or civilian aircraft operations, acquisition, or 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.

Application Requirements & Next Steps

• Complete the application and submit your resume.

• The interview process consists of three steps.

  • A short screening call with HR;

  • A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and

  • A full day interview with various researchers, HR and OED Director; includes giving an hour presentation on your research project.

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

  • Transcripts (unofficial accepted)

  • 3 contacts that are willing to write letters of recommendation

  • A writing sample

Why IDA?

We are committed to creating a workplace that fosters inclusion and values the unique perspectives and experiences of every individual. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond recruitment; it permeates our culture, policies, and practices. We strive to provide a respectful and supportive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. Click here to view our vision, mission, and guiding principles.

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 11% 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, 11 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 $119,000 - $271,000. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.