Research Analyst – Space Science, Engineering, and Policy

Overview

The IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operated by the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). STPI provides objective, high-quality analyses to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the National Space Council, and other federal agencies on critical science and technology policy issues. STPI researchers work collaboratively with government sponsors to address complex national challenges requiring scientific, technical, and analytical expertise.

STPI has an immediate opening for a Research Analyst with expertise in space science, engineering, or policy. Candidates with backgrounds in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, space sciences, or space law are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a demonstrated interest in applying technical expertise to space policy and national-level decision-making are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to independent, objective analyses addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the civil, commercial, and global space sectors. Research Analysts are expected to apply scientific and technical expertise to support federal sponsors and inform policy development. Research Analysts are also expected to actively manage interdisciplinary teams and research projects on behalf of IDA’s sponsors.

The Research Analyst will:

• Conduct independent research and analysis of complex issues related to space systems, technologies, programs, and policy.
• Identify, prioritize, and communicate emerging issues, trends, and opportunities affecting the U.S. space enterprise and international space environment.
• Develop and apply qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to address sponsor questions and assess policy alternatives.
• Prepare reports, briefing materials, white papers, and other deliverables that communicate findings and recommendations to government sponsors and senior decision-makers.
• Present research briefings to sponsors, interagency working groups, and other stakeholder audiences.
• Support IDA’s sponsors in the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of national space initiatives and policies.
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams and contribute technical expertise across a diverse portfolio of science and technology policy projects.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with sponsors and external stakeholders to support ongoing collaboration and engagement.
• Contribute to cross-organizational projects involving technical analyses conducted in partnership with IDA’s Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), particularly the Science, Systems, and Sustainment (S3D) research division.

Qualifications

• Prospective applicants must have a PhD with 3+ years or a terminal master’s degree or JD with 8+ years of research or policy experience.
• A degree in engineering, physics, a discipline related to space science, or a law degree with a specialty or focus on space law is required.
• Proven ability to coordinate and guide the work of project teams, facilitate collaboration among stakeholders with diverse perspectives, and ensure high-quality analytical products are delivered on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and develop rigorous analytical approaches to complex technical or policy issues.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

• Experience interacting with government agencies, industry, academia, or other stakeholders in the space sector.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Space systems design and orbital mechanics
  • Cost estimation of novel space systems
  • Space Risk Analysis
  • Analysis of alternatives, trade studies, or similar cost-benefit analyses
  • Civil and commercial space systems
  • International space programs
  • Space law
• Demonstrated experience applying quantitative analytical methodologies to support research using Python, R, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Established professional relationships within the U.S. or international space community.
• Experience leading or facilitating teams with diverse technical and organizational perspectives.
• Demonstrated ability to identify emerging issues and translate technical findings into actionable policy insights.
• Interest in contributing across a broad portfolio of science and technology policy topics beyond the space domain.

Why work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 10% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our Nation’s 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.
• Located in Alexandria’s high-tech corridor, IDA’s brand new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces and gym.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping, the Potomac Yard Metro stop and the Potomac Yard DASH bus stop. Employer contributes $300/month (IRS max) to commuter benefits.

Compensation

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $112,924-$263,335 Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.