Military Systems Analyst – Live Fire Test & Evaluation

Contribute to independent evaluations of military systems to ensure that our warfighters are equipped with safe and effective systems for combat. Make a tangible impact for mission-driven work with great pay and benefits.

The Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) team in the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) Operational Evaluation Division (OED) provides independent and objective evaluations of new or upgraded military systems.  Live fire testing, firing of actual weapons against representative targets (lethality), or realistic threats against actual Department of War (DoW) systems (survivability), is inherently destructive, so the ability to carefully plan and optimize test designs is essential.

The LFT&E team is currently looking for talented individuals who enjoy using science, mathematics, or engineering skills to solve unique and unstructured technical problems, and who want to contribute to our nation's defense in a nonprofit environment.

 What does research look like in this position? 

•                     Plan, design, observe, and analyze live fire tests of military systems such as ground combat vehicles, rotary wing aircraft, weapons, and body armor.

•                  Conduct independent, in-depth analyses of test results to assess survivability of systems against realistic threats, or effectiveness of weapons against realistic targets.

•                  Present findings to mid- and senior-level Defense officials (i.e., presidential appointees, generals, admirals, etc.) through oral presentations and written reports.

•                  Develop firsthand knowledge of systems by attending test events and analyzing results.

•                  Work independently, and in small teams, to advocate for adequate testing of systems, ensuring that our warfighters are equipped with safe and     effective systems for combat.

 What qualifications and skill-sets do you need?

 Required:

•                  We value diverse perspectives and expertise and will consider applicants from a wide array of disciplines, including: Material Science, Applied Mathematics, Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Biological, Industrial, Systems Engineering), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Operations Research, or other relevant interdisciplinary programs.

o   PhD in any of the disciplines listed above  

o   MS in any of the disciplines listed above with 2+ years of relevant work or military experience

o   BS in any of the disciplines listed above with 4+ years of relevant work or military experience

•                     Experience with qualitative or quantitative data analysis.

•                     Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to clearly explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.

•                     Availability to travel (approx. 25% time).

•                     Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

•                     Successful completion of a background check is required.

 Preferred:

•                     Prior-Military, DoW acquisition, or test and evaluation experience is valued but not required.

•                     Live in or be willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. region.

Why work at IDA?

• Comprehensive benefits including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, maternity/paternity leave