Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Industry and Security Analysis Group (ISAG) within JOID provides analytical, technical, and program support to promote, grow, and protect the U.S. industrial base. ISAG’s support spans the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Commerce, and other agencies to deliver critical decision support to national security leaders. Our team informs policy decisions, enables execution of comprehensive strategies and monitors and reports on the effectiveness of implementation. This enables senior leaders to execute strategies for developing and sustaining a robust industrial base that meets our nation’s strategic resource objectives. From policy to practice, we are a team of economic and national security professionals providing innovative solutions for our Nation’s most pressing security challenges.

This role supports the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s (OUSD(R&E’s)) Joint Acquisition Protection and Exploitation Cell (JAPEC). This position requires daily collaboration with the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force (NCIJTF), the National Counterintelligence Task Force (NCITF), and Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) personnel. SPA has an immediate need for a Research Analyst to provide onsite support at ARLIS in College Park, MD, but may be required to work at alternative sites across the National Capital Region (e.g., Mark Center, Pentagon, Rosslyn, VA).

The candidate will serve as an OUSD (R&E) Research Analyst conducting collaboration with the NCITF, the NCIJTF, onsite USG clients, and Senior Executives at the Pentagon. Will respond to emergent requests for technology risk assessments synthesizing information from diverse sources resulting in recommendations for enhanced protection of the Defense Department’s critical technologies and programs. To support this, the candidate will be expected to take the initiative to proactively search out and engage with intelligence, security, academia, and government personnel to collect key data and sources to inform assessments. The position will also support the development of complex gap analyses and risk matrices for high-value dual-use or military technologies to identify opportunities to maintain, and potentially increase, U.S. technological advantage. The candidate will be expected to work full-time on client site at ARLIS in College Park, MD, with the potential of working at alternative sites across the NCR based on client needs.

Required:

• Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field in one of OUSD (R&E) Critical Technology Areas (CTAs) or a related discipline; CTAs fields include but are not limited to biology, chemistry, engineering, cyber, software/computational science, aerospace, quantum, and microelectronics.
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret with SCI eligibility.
• Minimum 5 years of experience.
• Experience with conducting in-depth technical and security risk assessments through literature research and data evaluation.
• Experience working with an interdisciplinary team of experts that collectively implement and recommend security features for the nation’s most pertinent technology.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computers, search-functionality, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired: 

• Advanced Degree (e.g., Masters, PhD) in one of OUSD (R&E)’s CTAs or a related STEM discipline.
• Active Top-Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Experience working on an inter-governmental Task Force or with the DoD Intelligence/Counterintelligence Community.
• Demonstrated ability to work from high-level, limited and evolving guidance in order to produce timely and effective results.
• Ability to work both independently and with personnel from multiple organizations.
• Familiarity with DoD technology development and acquisition policies.