Research Analyst - Mobility Aircraft
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 to support the Department of Defense's assessment of the operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of air warfare-related major defense acquisition programs. IDA takes great pride in the high caliber and timeliness of its analyses, which are produced in an atmosphere that encourages independent thinking and objective results. Work at IDA is conducted in a team environment and often involves a multi-disciplinary approach.
Responsibilities
The analyst will support and advise mid- and senior-level civilian and military officials regarding the operational evaluation of military aircraft and supporting systems and weapons, focusing on mobility and special-mission aircraft. The position involves analyzing the design, execution, and results of operational testing of aircraft and related systems, and providing an independent assessment to the Department of Defense’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation. These assessments require regular written output that presents technical information clearly to a non-specialist audience, and occasionally oral briefings of the material to senior officials. Close interaction with officials and military service members responsible for the planning and execution of tests is required. The analyst will work in a team environment but must also be able to work independently and demonstrate initiative to seek out specialized assistance within IDA when necessary. Travel is required.
Qualifications
- Candidates must have either a Ph.D. in engineering, physical sciences, or applied mathematics, OR a combination of a master’s degree from those disciplines plus 8 years of relevant experience in the design and/or testing of complex physical systems. Ph.D. work that included the development of test methodologies and/or test apparatus/instrumentation, either as a focus of study or as a means to conduct the dissertation research, is desired.
- Candidates must have demonstrated computational and data analysis skills.
- Candidates must be able to write and speak clearly, confidently, and respectfully about complex technical subjects to a broad audience from enlisted military personnel to senior government officials with a wide range of technical knowledge. Candidates will be asked to submit writing samples from their academic or professional work.
- Experience with military or civilian aircraft operations, testing, or acquisition, and/or a background in aerospace engineering is desired.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit a brief cover letter describing their interests, skill sets, and specific abilities that are applicable to this job.
- Up to 30% travel is required. Most travel is to regular program technical meetings, but some travel to observe operational testing may include transport on military aircraft/ships/vehicles and/or presence at austere testing ranges throughout the United States.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.
- Candidates selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for obtaining at least a Secret clearance. The ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance is desired.
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.