Research Analyst - Live Fire Ground Systems
Effective October 11, 2021, all current and newly hired IDA employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have been granted a medical or religious exemption. Individuals who accept employment with IDA will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or receive approval for a medical or religious accommodation prior to starting employment.
Overview
The Operational Evaluation Division (OED) has an immediate career opening for an Analyst supporting the Department of Defense's assessments of ground combat vehicle survivability, personal protective equipment and weapon and munitions lethality in support of live fire test and evaluation. The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers to provide objective analyses of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise. IDA research staff members conduct multi-disciplinary analyses in an environment that encourages rigorous, independent research on challenging and complex issues. IDA provides an inclusive work environment and a comprehensive, competitive salary and benefits package.
Responsibilities
The Live Fire group within OED supports and advises DoD officials regarding the live fire test and evaluation of Major Defense Acquisition Programs. The Analyst will evaluate all aspects of ground vehicle survivability, which include detecting and avoiding threats (susceptibility), withstanding hits to the vehicle (vulnerability), and protecting crew and passengers (force protection). Additionally, the Analyst will evaluate the lethality of weapons and munitions and the performance of personnel protective equipment. The Analyst will support test planning, observe realistic survivability and lethality testing, conduct independent in-depth analyses of test result, and provide written assessments to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The Analyst will work independently and in small teams using their strong scientific and technical skills, particularly in the area of quantitative analysis. The position involves close interaction with mid- and senior-level civilian and military officials responsible for the planning, development, and execution of live fire tests. Up to 25% travel is required.
Qualifications
- A Doctoral Degree in Operations Research, Materials Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Physics or National Security or related interdisciplinary program that encompasses one or more of these fields OR
- A Masters Degree with 10+ years experience in research, system design/engineering, military operations research or policy.
- Must have experience compiling and analyzing quantitative data.
- Prior Military, DoD acquisition, or test and evaluation experience is a plus.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required
IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Click here to learn more about IDA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.