Sr. Research Analyst

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 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.We have an immediate need for a Sr. Research Analyst to provide onsite support at the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) in College Park, MD, with the potential of working at alternative sites across the National Capital Region (e.g., Mark Center, Pentagon, etc.) based on client needs. Responsibilities 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 collaboration with Law Enforcement (LE) and Counterintelligence (CI) organizations and ARLIS personnel. The candidate will serve as a Senior Researcher on the JAPEC team in the OUSD(R&E's) Office of Science & Technology Program Protection, conducting collaboration with LE and CI organizations, onsite USG clients, and DoD leadership at the Mark Center and Pentagon. Will respond to emergent requests for technology risk assessments synthesizing information from diverse sources resulting in recommendations for enhanced protection of the DoD’s critical technologies and programs. To support this, the candidate will be expected to take the initiative to proactively seek 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. Qualifications Required:PhD in a STEM field pertaining to the OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Areas of Applied Artificial Intelligence, Biomanufacturing, Contested Logistics Technologies, Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance, Scaled Hypersonics, and Scaled Directed Energy.Active Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility.5+ years of experience.Experience 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.Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.Desired: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 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.At 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. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $160k – $200kJob SummaryID: 2026-22736Category: Strategy, Policy, & Advisory ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior