Military Analyst SME

Location: Fort Washington, MD (Onsite (Space-Dependent)/Telework Eligible)

Clearance: TS/SCI Eligible

Education: MA/MS in Strategic Studies, International Policy, International Relations, Chinese Studies, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field (or BA/BS in a related field, plus 4 additional years of experience)

Outcomes:

• Formally track all tasks, to include: assigned by, suspense, status, and comments on all assigned tasks through completion and be prepared to brief upon request.
• Develop digital continuity folders and files that include standard operating procedures, workflows and POC lists to accomplish all tasks.
• Create 2-3 products beyond the client’s requirements that positively impact the client to either increase efficiency, effectiveness, or innovation.
• Master position tasks within 60 days and exceed requirements within 90 days.
• Within the first 90 days, build a working baseline understanding/knowledge of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and include the likely PLA response and the effect on the Department of War (DoW) and the Department of the Air Force (DAF) in the recommendations the team briefs to senior leaders.
• Develop an understanding of how economics underpin national security and how that impacts differs in China than the U.S. system. Apply this understanding as a foundation in all analytical assignments.
• Establish foundation in AI/ML skills and contribute to AI/ML operationalization and modernization goals and objectives.
• Use government provided Generative AI tools on a day-to-day basis to accelerate tasks, research, documentation, analysis, planning, reporting, and problem solving.

The China Military Analyst SME supports the Air Force’s Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis (SAF/OCXA) under the Secretary’s Office of Competitive Activities (SAF/OC). The position combines expertise in military studies, Asian economic affairs, risk assessment, Air and Joint operations, and commercial and market analysis. The analyst must also be able to turn that analysis into clear, useful products for a military audience.

The role pairs U.S. military understanding with working knowledge of the PLA and China’s defense industry. The analyst is a focal point for China-focused analytical assignments and applies expertise to an understanding of economic competition.

Day to day, the work is capability analysis, commercial technology surveys, military requirements assessment, and market and historical industry research, with attention to implications and trends. A clear view of national security needs and of available commercial solutions lets the analyst draw well-founded connections and develop near- and long-term market insights that can serve military requirements or needed national security capabilities.

The analyst applies a deep understanding of PLA operations to include, but not limited to, the U.S. acquisition community to inform long-term strategic direction.

Per PWS section 1.3.10.11, Consulting Support, specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide Research Analysis, Market Analysis, and Portfolio Analysis with focus on military applications and strategic competition implications.
• Assess PLA modernization, force structure, and doctrine, and how the PLA and China’s defense industry are likely to respond to recommended U.S. and allied actions, including countermeasures, escalation risk, and where an action could backfire.
• For each recommendation, assess its effect on DoW and DAF force design, operational requirements, the industrial base, allies and partners, and operational risk.
• Conduct assessments and formulation of strategies, comparisons of different industries, trends, and assessment of risks in relation to national security and…