The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally-Funded Research Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, and other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government; and the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency. IDA provides objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

The System Evaluation Division (SED), one of eight research divisions within the Alexandria, VA-based Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), assesses the effectiveness of military forces, analyzes mission needs, develops system architectures, investigates new operational concepts, and assesses the risks that accompany technological integration. SED also examines system performance and evaluates technical challenges with new systems during their development and testing. These analyses help IDA’s government sponsors choose among competing programs, set force or inventory levels, identify suitable concepts for employing systems in realistic operational environments, and improve acquisition outcomes.

Key priorities for the Director are as follows:

• Integrate and focus IDA analytical capabilities – in active collaboration with other IDA divisions – to meet complex research and analytical challenges.
• Maintain awareness and competence in key evolving national security areas – e.g., emerging challenges in the space domain, hybrid warfare, strategic deterrence, near-peer competition, and the application of advanced technologies in the national security realm.
• Keep abreast of key threats and adversary capabilities relevant to the United States, to its allies and partners, and to its national and homeland security forces and missions.
• Maintain knowledge of modern modeling and simulation capabilities and their applications, of advanced data analytic approaches, and of the application of computationally intensive approaches to complex problems.
• Recruit, retain, and grow diverse talent at all levels, and drive an inclusive and equitable culture that welcomes and supports diversity and belonging.
• Develop and maintain close contact with key sponsors, senior stakeholders, and DOD leaders. Ensure they are aware of IDA contributions and relevant analyses.
• Work with colleagues, staff, and IDA leadership to continuously refine Division vision and periodically communicate vision to staff.

We seek a senior level manager with extensive experience in the analyses of complex systems, and the ability to build and manage a program of analyses related to national security.  The selected individual must have broad knowledge of national security systems, key underlying and advanced technologies, and operational considerations relevant to system performance in support of military operations, homeland security, and intelligence missions.  Experience with modern modeling and simulation tools – development, validation, and/or application – is preferred.

The SED Director will be responsible for managing a 65-staff year research program and for ensuring the quality of division research and analytic products. A PhD in physical science or engineering is preferred for this position.

The selected individual must be able to interact effectively with the senior leadership in sponsoring offices. We are looking for a team player who can work cooperatively with other IDA research divisions, and with a diverse set of government organizations and advisory groups.

IDA offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a superior professional working environment. To the right individual, IDA offers the opportunity to have a major impact on key national programs and plans.

The selected individual will be subject to a security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.  Ability to obtain and maintain a TS-SCI is required U. S. citizenship is required.

To learn more and to apply for this position, please visit our website at www.ida.org.  The Institute for Defense Analyses is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

Equal Opportunity Employer