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# Strategic and Space Systems Research Analyst - Operational Test and Evaluation

- **Company:** ANALYTICS SYSTEMS, LLC
- **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), Systems Analysis, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Information Technology, Modeling and Simulation, Programming Languages
- **Published:** October 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/strategic-and-space-systems-research-analyst-operational-test-and-evaluation-alexandria-va--1d5c6f5a-0f07-40df-b1fe-506c55ffab74

## About the Role

Acceptance Testing, Systems Analysis, Operational Audit, Operations Research, Analysis Skills, Strategic Analysis, Operational Audit, Military Operations, Research & Development (R&D), Non-Profit Funding, * 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

Strategic and Space Systems Research Analyst - Operational Test and Evaluation, 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.