Research Analyst - Live Fire Naval Warfare

Overview
The Operational Evaluation Division (OED) of the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has an immediate career opening for an Analyst supporting the Department of Defense's (DoD) assessment of the survivability of Navy ships and submarines, and the lethality of Navy missiles and torpedoes. IDA is a non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) 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 be required to evaluate aspects of surface ship and submarine survivability, which include detecting and avoiding threats (susceptibility), withstanding hits (vulnerability), controlling damage, reconfiguring systems, and restoring mission capabilities (recoverability), and protecting crew and passengers (force protection). Additionally, the Analyst may participate in the end-to-end evaluation of the lethality of missiles and torpedoes. The Analyst will support test planning, observe Live Fire testing both at sea and at DoD ranges, review modeling and simulation results, conduct independent analyses, and provide written assessments and recommendations to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The Analyst will work independently and in small teams. 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. Travel is required.
Required Qualifications

• Candidates must have one of the following combinations of education and experience:
  • A master's degree in Engineering (Naval Architecture, Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical preferred), Material Science, the Physical Sciences, or Mathematics coupled with 7 years' relevant work experience; OR
  • A PhD or equivalent degree in Engineering (Naval Architecture, Marine, Mechanical, or Electrical preferred), Material Science, the Physical Sciences, or Mathematics coupled with relevant work experience (via government, industry, fellowships, or internships).
• Candidates must demonstrate the ability to speak and write clearly about technical concepts and have strong computational and quantitative analysis skills.
• Candidates selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information as required.
• Travel is required, up to 25%

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in testing, design, or construction of combatant ships and ship systems and naval ordnance.
• Prior military or DoD acquisition experience in the areas of naval systems evaluation, combatant ship operations, Live Fire testing, ship safety, ship survivability modeling and simulation, or weapon system lethality.
• Experience with data visualization and analysis using a programming language such as MATLAB, R, or Python.
• Interpersonal skills that facilitate working with people from varied backgrounds

Why work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% 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; as a non-profit, IDA employees are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL);
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications;
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40-hour work weeks through flex time, partial telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours;
• Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning.
• Flat corporate structure that encourages collaboration and ability to choose your own projects.
• A brand-new facility located in Alexandria's high-tech corridor in Potomac Yard; amenities include a cafeteria, grab-n-go café, gym, and close proximity to local dining and shopping; and
• Easy access to Potomac Yard Metro stop and Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

What are the next steps?

• Complete the application and submit your resume.
• The application process consists of three interviews.

1. 1. A short screening call with HR;
   2. A 30 min - 60 min screening call with researchers; and
   3. Full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving an hour presentation on a research project.

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

1. 1. Transcripts (unofficial accepted);
   2. 3 letters of recommendation; and
   3. A writing sample.