Vice President & Director, Science, Systems and Sustainment Division

About IDA

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally-Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs): the Systems and Analyses Center sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of War; the Science and Technology Policy Institute serving the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Science Foundation, and other offices and councils within the executive branch of the federal government;

and the Center for Communications and Computing serving the National Security Agency. IDA provides objective analyses of national security issues and related national challenges, particularly those requiring extraordinary scientific, technical, and analytic expertise.

The Science, Systems, and Sustainment Division (S3D), one of seven research divisions within the Alexandria, VA-based Systems and Analyses Center (SAC), primarily provides deep technical, analytical, and subject‑matter expertise to support Department of War (DoW). S3D assesses the effectiveness of emerging technologies, military weapon systems and concepts of operation, analyzes mission needs, develops system architectures, investigates new operational concepts, and assesses the risks that accompany technological integration.

S3D also examines system performance and evaluates technical challenges with new systems during their development, experimentation and testing, and conducts data‑driven analyses to improve weapon‑system readiness and availability. These analyses help IDA’s government sponsors make defensible investment decisions, shape the development of new systems, choose among competing programs, set force or inventory levels, identify suitable concepts for employing systems in realistic operational environments, and improve acquisition outcomes.

Our government sponsors depend on us to meet complex challenges with determination, creativity, and insight. We support the DoW to protect our warfighters, save taxpayer dollars, and defend our nation.

We seek a senior level manager with extensive experience in the quantitative analysis and evaluation of technologies and DoW weapon systems; an established reputation in the national security field; an understanding of DoW decision‑making processes, including the planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition processes; experience overseeing and conducting data‑intensive and simulation‑based analyses; strong demonstrated written and oral communication and collaboration skills; and the highest level of integrity.

The selected individual must have a PhD in science, engineering, applied science, applied engineering, or related field. The selected individual must be able to interact effectively with the senior leadership in sponsoring offices and work cooperatively with a variety of government organizations and advisory groups.

• Integrate and focus IDA analytical capabilities – in active collaboration with other IDA divisions – to meet complex research and analytical challenges.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with key sponsors, senior stakeholders, and DoW leaders. Ensure they are aware of IDA contributions and relevant analyses; promote Division capabilities and negotiate future lines of effort with sponsors.
• Develop and implement a coordinated research strategy across S3D portfolios that supports sponsor priorities, ensures objectivity and rigor, advances methodologies, and drives innovation.
• Oversee the quality management and development processes for S3D research products to ensure they meet IDA Standards, chair technical reviews, and ensure products meet sponsor mission needs and timelines.
• Partner with the S3D Deputy Director, Assistant Directors, and Staff to develop and implement the division’s research program and strategy.
• Recruit, retain, and grow talent at all levels, and drive an inclusive culture that welcomes all points of view.
• Work with colleagues, staff, and IDA leadership to continuously refine S3D's vision and continuously communicate that vision to staff.
• Oversee the research division budget, managing both direct and…