Research Specialist Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment U.S. Department of Defense Washington, D.C. Metro Area

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Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world including Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

Position Summary:

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) is responsible for leading the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) efforts related to research and development, advanced technology, developmental test and evaluation, production, logistics, installation management, military construction, defense procurement, acquisition policy, environmental and nuclear security, chemical and biological matters, operational energy plans and programs, corrosion policy and oversight, human capital initiatives, as well as small and disadvantaged business management.  To accomplish this mission, OUSD(A&S) requires administrative, analytical, and strategic communication support services. 

Please note: Only U.S. citizens with a current TS/SCI security clearance, or a TS security clearance with eligibility for SCI, are eligible to apply**

Responsibilities:

• Collect and analyze data from a variety of sources (e.g., technical reports, field data, and policy documents) to inform decision-making processes related to defense acquisition and sustainment.
• Identify emerging technologies, systems, and operational trends that could impact acquisition strategies, lifecycle management, and defense capabilities.
• Conduct or support technical reviews, assessments, and evaluations of new and existing defense systems, technologies, and processes to determine their readiness, effectiveness, and applicability.
• Assist in developing policies and strategies that guide the acquisition, sustainment, and management of defense systems and capabilities.
• Provide input on defense programs and projects by conducting research into specific program requirements, potential risks, and technological feasibility.
• Support cost-effectiveness analyses, risk management strategies, and other assessments to ensure that defense programs are feasible and sustainable over time.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, white papers, and presentations that summarize research findings, technical evaluations, and policy recommendations for senior officials and stakeholders within OUSD(A&S) and across the DoD.
• Create and deliver presentations or briefings to senior leadership, stakeholders, and working groups to communicate research findings and strategic recommendations.
• Work closely with other departments, including acquisition, logistics, and engineering teams, to ensure that research findings align with operational and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with external research organizations, defense contractors, universities, and other government agencies to exchange knowledge and develop new solutions to technical and policy challenges.
• Provide research-driven insights to help shape long-term strategic plans for the acquisition and sustainment of defense systems.
• Assist in the development of budget proposals, resource allocation plans, and financial justifications for research, development, and sustainment projects.

Qualifications:

• Must have a current TS/SCI security clearance, or a TS security clearance but be eligible to receive a SCI.
• Must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• Must have at least five (5) years of specialized experience in strategic communications.
• Must have executive level support experience within DoD and other federal agencies.
• Must have experience in leading and providing technical guidance and direction involving multiple projects of high complexity.
• Must have experience in managing customer expectations and working directly with customers.
• Must have outstanding customer service abilities, initiative, judgement, creativity, flexibility, and confidence.
• Must have the ability to multi-task across multiple projects.