Research Analyst

PRIMARY PURPOSE

These positions are located at NAS Pt. Mugu, CA and Edwards AFB, CA.

CNA is hiring for Research Analysts to join their Advanced Technology Assessment (ATA) Division. 

Staff at this level will be leading smaller/less complex activities or will be serving as an important contributing team member on projects.

As part of the Department of the Navy’s Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), CNA’s Advanced Technology Assessments (ATA) division provides analysis that evaluates the military utility and efficacy of emerging defense technologies and prototypes, operational test and evaluation of DoD programs of record, and tactics development and resourcing decisions for existing naval aircraft.  

Analyses from ATA help the Navy make data-informed resourcing, training, and modernization decisions for new and existing defense technologies, with a focus on naval aircraft. Our research supports defense innovation programs to ensure operational effectiveness and lethality and to maintain the technological superiority of US military forces. ATA also contributes independent analyses to the testing of new aviation systems and the development of tactics to optimize the effectiveness of existing aircraft. 

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES 

1. With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA’s quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems.  With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards.  Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.

2. Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.

3. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.  Keeps others informed.  Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics.  Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.

4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.

5. Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.

6. Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.

7. Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion.  Effectively communicates one-on-one and in groups.  Can document work efficiently and accurately.  Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.

8. Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.  Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks.  Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities.  May lead small projects under the supervision of an RTL/CMD. 

9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors.  Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks.  Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Minimum master’s degree in science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), aeronautical engineering or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.

2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis.

3. Skills: Ability to make significant contributions to projects/analyses; Strong analytic curiosity/ creativity;  Ability to operate independently in the execution of assignments; Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment; Strong critical thinking skills; Knowledge of research techniques; Strong planning and organizational skills; Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; Ability to interact positively and somewhat independently with clients.

4. Remote/Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is not eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements. Occasional flexible work schedule may be possible at the discretion of the Supervisor. 

5. Relocation: Relocation assistance is provided

6. Other: An active final Secret security clearance is required at time of hire and the ability to maintain a security clearance.