Research Analyst Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Overview

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 Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM.  SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have a near-term need for a Irregular Warfare Research Analyst to provide onsite support out of Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

The Research Analyst will support the development and execution of Irregular Warfare (IW) assessments, providing in-depth analysis and strategic recommendations to enhance Joint Force planning and operational readiness. Responsibilities include conducting research on emerging threats, IW doctrine, and capabilities; preparing reports, briefings, and actionable recommendations; and integrating findings into strategic policies and plans. The Analyst will collaborate with senior General Officer/Flag Officer (GO/FO) and Senior Executive Service (SES) officials, interagency partners, and multinational stakeholders to align IW activities with broader defense objectives. Apply significant expertise in operational concepts, interagency coordination, and strategic-level advisory support to address complex IW challenges.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution with experience supporting Irregular Warfare (IW) assessments, including strategic planning, foreign internal defense, counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, unconventional warfare, or stability operations.
• 12+ years of experience, including working with senior General Officer/Flag Officer (GO/FO) or Senior Executive Service (SES) officials in support of operational planning or policy development.
• Extensive expertise in IW operational concepts, including integrating capabilities into broader Joint Force and interagency collaboration frameworks.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to draft reports, develop recommendations, and deliver executive-level briefings.
• Proven ability to coordinate with interagency and multinational partners to align IW efforts across diverse stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience conducting research, analyzing data, and providing actionable recommendations for integrating IW capabilities into joint doctrine and planning.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Desired:

• Experience with interagency collaboration, coordinating with DoD, intelligence community (IC), and allied partners to align IW activities with broader strategic objectives.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing advanced analytic tools, methodologies, or frameworks (e.g., perception-based metrics, campaign ROI models) to assess IW effectiveness.
• Demonstrated experience in leading or contributing to IW scenario library creation, red-teaming exercises, or wargame development.

Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $140,000.00/Yr. - USD $175,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME