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Military Research Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At any given time, the program analyst will commission research papers and organize and author ... military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical ...

Operations Research Analyst

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$55.28 - $71.79/hr

We need an experienced research analyst like you to help us solve complex problems for our clients ... On our military and intelligence community (IC) operations and planning team, you'll evaluate data ...

Operations Research Analyst

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$55.28 - $71.79/hr

We need an experienced research analyst like you to help us solve complex problems for our clients ... On our military and intelligence community (IC) operations and planning team, you'll evaluate data ...

... military utility studies Assess outcomes and evaluate plans for exercises, wargaming sessions ... research analytical methods (linear/nonlinear programming, simulation, statistical inference ...

Research Analyst

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Research Analyst provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research ... military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For ...

Operations Research Analyst

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$215K - $250K/yr

... military utility studies * Assess outcomes and evaluate plans for exercises, wargaming sessions ... Proficiency with operations research analytical methods (linear/nonlinear programming, simulation ...

$60 - $80/hr

The Research Analyst provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research ... military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For ...

Operations Research Analyst

Beavercreek, OH

$91K - $108K/yr

Title: Operations Research Analyst Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Experience working in military logistics related fields * Experience in system design and ...

Operations Research Analyst

Beavercreek, OH ยท On-site

$91K - $108K/yr

Title: Operations Research Analyst Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Experience working in military logistics related fields * Experience in system design and ...

Predictive Research Analyst KBR is seeking a Predictive Research Analyst for mission-level combat ... regarding the military utility, feasibility, joint warfighter impacts of the concepts and ...

Showing results 41-60

Military Research Analyst information

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$38.5K

$74K

$99.5K

How much do military research analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for military research analyst in the United States is $73,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a military research analyst?

A Military Research Analyst is a professional who studies military strategies, operations, technologies, and policies to provide insights and recommendations for defense organizations or government agencies. They gather and analyze data on military trends, threats, and capabilities, often using statistical and modeling tools. Their work helps inform decision-making on defense planning, resource allocation, and national security policies. Military Research Analysts may specialize in areas such as intelligence analysis, weapons systems, or geopolitical risk.

What are some common challenges military research analysts face when working on classified projects?

Military Research Analysts often encounter challenges related to handling sensitive or classified information. Navigating strict security protocols can limit access to data and require extra steps in collaboration and reporting. Additionally, analysts must balance the need for thorough research with tight deadlines and shifting priorities driven by defense operations. Building strong communication skills and staying current on security best practices are essential for success in this high-stakes environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a military research analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Research Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of military strategy, and often a degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and defense-related databases is typically required, along with security clearance. Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills help you stand out in this position. These competencies are vital for producing accurate, actionable intelligence that supports military decision-making and national security objectives.

What is the difference between Military Research Analyst vs Defense Analyst?

AspectMilitary Research AnalystDefense Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree in military studies, security studies, or related fields; often requires security clearanceBachelor's or master's in defense studies, political science, or related fields; may also require security clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, military institutions, defense contractorsGovernment agencies, think tanks, defense contractors
Industry UsagePrimarily within military and defense sectorsBroader defense and security sectors, including policy and strategic analysis

Military Research Analysts focus specifically on military operations, tactics, and technology, often working directly with military agencies. Defense Analysts have a broader scope, analyzing overall defense policies, budgets, and strategic issues across various defense sectors. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific focus areas.

More about Military Research Analyst jobs

What states have the most Military Research Analyst jobs?

States with the most job openings for Military Research Analyst jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Military Research Analyst jobs?

For Military Research Analyst jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Military Research Analyst job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,965 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Research Analyst - Economist

Alexandria, VA โ€ข Hybrid

Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA)
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturingย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$113K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Apply economic theory and analytic methods to issues of National Security policy and resource management.

  • Develop new models, generate new theory, and apply proven tools to new problems and data.

  • Collaborate with government sponsors and multi-disciplinary teams to conduct analyses and support defense decision-making.


Job description

Overview:

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is an independent, non-profit, federally-funded research and development center that provides objective analyses to the Department of War and other federal government agencies. Economists at IDA support senior defense leaders by applying economic theory and analytic methods to issues of National Security policy and resource management. As needed, we apply proven tools to new problems and data, develop new models, and generate new theory.

Recent examples of our work:

  • Training machine learning models to predict individuals' career events using a rich set of administrative personnel records
  • Estimating causal effects of staffing levels and characteristics on mission effectiveness
  • Designing a personnel retention experiment impacting thousands of service members
  • Designing a trial of alcohol market interventions for use on military bases to learn whether such interventions can prevent harmful behaviors associated with alcohol misuse
  • Architecting a collaborative data-hosting analytic platform to facilitate timely and secure analysis of sensitive Department of War information assets across a diverse community of users
  • Exploring alternative organizational structures and delivery methods for educating and training military medical personnel, in order to reduce costs and streamline management
  • Constructing mechanisms for the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs to care for each other's patients and to better transfer funding across departments
  • Identifying opportunities to transfer positions among active and reserve military personnel, federal civilians, and contractors in order to reduce costs and concentrate military personnel in more operational (vs. administrative) positions

Who will you get to work with?

Work at IDA is conducted in a collaborative environment with multi-disciplinary teams. Researchers work closely with and are in frequent contact with government sponsors. Consequently, we value strong communication skills.

What will you gain?

As an IDA economist, you will have unique access to sensitive and proprietary data to address questions of National Security. You will have the opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful impact. Our work regularly informs defense policy and resource management decisions. We take pride in the high caliber and timeliness of our analyses, our independent thinking, and our objective results.

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Economics or related discipline
  • Demonstrated research excellence and a strong interest in applied research
  • Demonstrated superior skills in quantitative, econometric, statistical, or computational methods
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required.
  • We will consider job market candidates preparing to graduate, recent graduates, and mid-career individuals.

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 plus 10 Federal holidays, 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)
  • Organization-wide commitment to diversity in the workplace and providing a working environment free from discrimination, by fostering a culture of active citizenship and implementing data-driven processes of continuous feedback and learning
  • 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, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours
  • Located near Washington, D.C., in Alexandria's high-tech corridor, IDA's brand-new Potomac Yard facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, workspaces, and amenities, including a gym

    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 $113,353 - $277,494. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent's experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors.

Application Process
Interested candidates must follow a 2-step process and apply on-line to BOTH of the following:

1) Apply here by uploading a CV and cover letter

AND

2) Submit a CV, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and your job market paper (or equivalent items) with your application to JOE.

We will be conducting first-round interviews virtually.

Employment Type: Exempt