Research Scientist

CNA, 3003 Washington Blvd, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America

Posted Friday, October 31, 2025 at 4:00 AM | Expires Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 4:59 AM

CNA is hiring for Research Scientists to join their Advanced Technology Assessments (ATA) division. Staff at this level will typically be leading smaller and/or less complex projects, playing a critical role as a team member on projects with specific technical/scientific expertise.

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.

ATA Scientists typically work collaboratively and independently with research staff from other research areas across the FFRDC, as well as with some sponsors and staffs. They have demonstrated research and analysis experience, and they require less direction and supervision than entry‑level research staff.

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.

1. Routinely produces analysis on structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA’s quality standards with limited direction and general supervision. Demonstrates ability to develop and apply creative and innovative analytic solutions to complex problems with assistance/support from more senior staff. Shows the ability to synthesize analytic results into a broader context. Can lead complex analytic projects with supervision. Begins to make connections and synthesize ideas across multiple, related studies.

2. Develops and maintains deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Uses that knowledge to support training & mentoring of new staff, to support on‑going work, and to support development and shaping of new work for existing clients/sponsors.

3. Balances responsiveness to guidance with independent action. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Independently identifies opportunities for collaboration within team, division, and operating unit. Supports supervisor’s initiatives and helps make vision a reality. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.

4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by interacting with CNA managers and current clients/sponsors on securing follow‑on work (e.g., small grants, or above core projects), expanding or developing new ideas for future projects, and occasionally working with potential clients/sponsors on developing new project ideas. Occasionally serves as internal reviewer of technical proposals.

5. Interacts regularly and independently with clients/sponsors and related parties. Typical interactions are at the "peer equivalent" level, but some level of interaction at senior level. Can effectively represent CNA as an organization.

6. Influences decisions by sponsors/ clients; provide sponsors/clients with…