Defense and National Security Science & Technology Program Specialist

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Defense and National Security Science & Technology Specialist supports the planning, coordination, and execution of science and technology (S&T) research projects for U.S. Government National Security sponsors. Working under the guidance of senior program leadership, this role contributes to day‑to‑day project execution, technical coordination, and stakeholder engagement to ensure high‑quality research delivery aligned with sponsor requirements.

The Analyst applies foundational experience in government‑funded research programs by supporting multidisciplinary teams, assisting with desk research, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and helping translate project tasks into clear project documentation and communications.

• Perform applied research related to innovation strategy, ecosystems, business models, policy contexts, and organizational processes, using established qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Lead defined research tasks or small analytical work streams with senior guidance, including designing analytic approaches, coordinating data collection, and synthesizing interim and final findings.
• Develop evidence‑based analytical deliverables, including literature reviews, benchmarking analyses, background memos, slide decks, and written reports for internal teams and external clients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., economists, technologists, policy experts, operations staff) to integrate diverse perspectives into coherent analyses and recommendations.
• Document analytical methods, data sources, assumptions, and limitations to support transparency, quality assurance, and reuse of analytical assets.
• Conduct background research and analysis related to emerging technologies, research approaches, and sponsor mission needs.
• Synthesize technical information into summaries and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support review of deliverables for completeness, clarity, and alignment with project objectives.
• Support communication with government sponsors, internal RTI teams, subcontractors, and external partners under senior staff direction.
• Participate in program meetings, capture notes and action items, and support follow‑up coordination.
• Assist in preparing presentations, briefings, and written materials for sponsor and RTI leadership audiences.

• Contribute to proposal development and opportunity shaping by providing background research, analytical framing, technical writing, and past‑performance inputs.
• Contribute to professional and scientific outputs, such as conference presentations, workshops, white papers, or peer‑reviewed publications, with mentoring from senior staff.

• A Master’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience supporting science and technology programs, research projects, or government‑funded initiatives in the national security context; or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with defense, national security, or federally funded research practices (through professional experience, internships, or academic work).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, including the collection and analysis of technical data, the…