> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2608577-strategic-and-space-systems-research-analyst-operational-test-and-evaluation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2608577-strategic-and-space-systems-research-analyst-operational-test-and-evaluation). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Strategic and Space Systems Research Analyst - Operational Test and Evaluation - **Company:** Institute for Defense Analyses - **Location:** Alexandria, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $113,353.0 - $277,494.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, R (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Information Technology, Modeling and Simulation, Programming Languages - **Published:** August 31, 2026 - **Apply:** https://diversityjobs.com/main/sendform/8/8/28176/1/18142390?backUrl=%2Fcareer%2F18142390%2FStrategic-Space-Systems-Research-Analyst-Operational-Test-Evaluation-Virginia-Alexandria ## About the Role + PhD in a STEM field (such as Physics, Aerospace, Biophysics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Engineering (such as Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering), Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Operations Research, or any other data-intensive research field; OR + Master's degree (same fields as above) along with 6+ years of work experience in research, system design/engineering, system operations, or policy; OR + Master's degree (same fields as above) combined with military experience in strategic or missile defense systems * Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical topics to non-technical audiences. * Availability to travel approximately 25% time. * Successful completion of a background check is required. * Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Preferred: * Prior military, DoW acquisition, and/or test and evaluation experience. * Knowledgeable in missile systems, radar systems, command and control systems, aerospace engineering, or modeling and simulation tools. * Experience with statistical software or programming languages used in research, engineering, testing, and analysis automation (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB). ## Description United States, Virginia, Alexandria 730 East Glebe Road (Show on map) Aug 31, 2026 Apply your analytical skills to support the Department of War's operational assessment of military strategic and missile defense systems. Provide rigorous independent analysis and insights to key decision-makers in the Department and Congress to ensure that our warfighters are equipped with operationally effective and suitable systems. Make a tangible impact for mission-driven work with great pay and benefits. About IDA This position is part of IDA's Operational Evaluation Division (OED), located in Alexandria, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. IDA is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) that delivers objective, rigorous analysis on the nation's toughest national security, technology, and science policy challenges. Our work is team-based, multi-disciplinary, and deeply impactful to national defense. What does research look like in this position? * Plan, design, observe, and analyze operational testing of military strategic and space systems to assess whether systems meet end-user needs under realistic conditions in conducting their missions, including human factors such as usability. * Conduct independent, in-depth analyses of test results to assess the effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of systems against realistic threats. Analyses will provide the Office of the Secretary of War and Congressional leadership with independent assessments of system capabilities. * Work independently, and in small teams, to advocate for adequate testing, ensuring that military systems are safe, effective, and suitable. Work closely with government official responsible for the planning, development, and executions of tests. * Develop firsthand knowledge of systems by participating in Department-wide working groups, attending test events, and analyzing results. * Present findings to mid- and senior-level officials (e.g., presidential appointees, generals, admirals, etc.) through oral presentations and written reports., + Full day interview with various researchers and staff; includes giving a presentation on a research project. * Prior to the full day interview, you will be asked to provide: + Transcripts (unofficial accepted); + 3 letters of recommendation; and + A writing sample. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Swapping a Data Warehouse at Runtime: Zero-Downtime Migration Without Changing a Single Client](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100311-swapping-a-data-warehouse-at-runtime-zero-downtime-migration-without-changing-a-single-client) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [Model Based Systems Engineering in an Agile Product Development Process](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/68-model-based-systems-engineering-in-an-agile-product-development-process) - [Data Science, ML & AI in the Oil and Gas Industry at NDT Global - Dr. Katja Träumner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1308-data-science-ml-ai-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry-at-ndt-global-dr-katja-traumner) - [Agentic AI: building autonomous systems for developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100034-agentic-ai-building-autonomous-systems-for-developers) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers)