Research Jobs in Alexandria, VA
Research jobs in Alexandria, Virginia draw steady demand from the defense, federal contracting, and policy sectors concentrated in areas like Old Town, Carlyle, and the Eisenhower Avenue corridor. Employers actively hiring include Institute for Defense Analyses, Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA), and Rividium. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.
We have a future need for a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.
The Jr. Operations Research Analyst will provide expert analysis and solution development in a specialized field. The position involves evaluating and analyzing complex problems, then recommending and implementing solutions using advanced subject-matter knowledge. The role applies established principles and methods (e.g., in areas such as data analytics, economic/behavioral analysis, process modeling, performance management, change management, regulatory compliance, or technical domains like communication networks or defense capabilities) to improve processes, support decision-making, and ensure quality and effectiveness across organizational initiatives associated with DHS capability development efforts.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree with 0-3 years of relevant experience.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.
Desired:
- DHS Systems Engineering Level 1, DAWIA Engineering and Technical Management Foundational Level 1, and/or ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional): INCOSE.
- Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government’s technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
- Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
- Active DHS Suitability.
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $67,500k-$85,000k
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.
We have a future need for a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.
The Jr. Operations Research Analyst will provide expert analysis and solution development in a specialized field. The position involves evaluating and analyzing complex problems, then recommending and implementing solutions using advanced subject-matter knowledge. The role applies established principles and methods (e.g., in areas such as data analytics, economic/behavioral analysis, process modeling, performance management, change management, regulatory compliance, or technical domains like communication networks or defense capabilities) to improve processes, support decision-making, and ensure quality and effectiveness across organizational initiatives associated with DHS capability development efforts.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree with 0-3 years of relevant experience.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.
Desired:
- DHS Systems Engineering Level 1, DAWIA Engineering and Technical Management Foundational Level 1, and/or ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional): INCOSE.
- Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government’s technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
- Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
- Active DHS Suitability.
At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $67,500k-$85,000k
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- Consulting & Professional Services
Research Jobs in Alexandria: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research job in Alexandria?
Focus your search on Alexandria's defense contractors, federal agencies, and policy think tanks, which drive the largest share of research hiring in the city. The Carlyle district and Eisenhower Avenue corridor are dense with contracting firms. Candidates with clearance eligibility, quantitative analysis skills, or a background in public policy have a measurable edge in Alexandria's market over generalist applicants.
Which companies hire researchs in Alexandria?
Companies currently hiring researchs in Alexandria include Institute for Defense Analyses, Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA), and Rividium, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Alexandria's employer mix leans heavily toward government contractors, federal agencies with satellite offices, and nonprofit policy organizations rooted in the D.C. metro area.
Are there remote research jobs in Alexandria?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the type of research work. Analytical, policy, and desk-based roles can often be performed remotely, while lab-based or fieldwork roles are almost always on-site. About 100% of research openings tied to Alexandria are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. The most remote-friendly roles locally tend to be in policy analysis and data research for contracting firms.
How can I get a research job in Alexandria with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Alexandria is through research assistant or junior analyst roles at federal contractors or nonprofit policy organizations, which regularly hire candidates with strong academic backgrounds in lieu of direct work experience. Internship programs tied to D.C.-area agencies and Alexandria-based think tanks are a common stepping stone. A relevant degree, strong writing skills, and familiarity with data tools give entry-level candidates the clearest advantage locally.
Which industries hire the most researchs in Alexandria?
Most research openings in Alexandria sit in Consulting & Professional Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Alexandria's proximity to the Pentagon and major federal agencies makes defense contracting and government services the dominant employers, with policy research and public health rounding out consistent local demand.
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