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Research Analyst - Emerging Threats

SPA
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Arlington County, Arlington, VA, USA
Sep 21, 2026
Overview

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 Sea, Land, Air Analysis Group’s mission is to deliver objective analyses, plans and strategies to US Navy, US Marine Corps, USAF, other DoD, and Australian Defence Force clients to support technology development, acquisition, delivery and sustainment decisions. The group provides the core of SPA thought leadership on Undersea Strategy, Software Development and Cost Estimating, with additional benchmark capabilities in AI/ML & Decision Analytics, Modeling and Simulation, and Future Force Assessments.

SPA has a need for a Research Analyst to conduct research and analysis on emerging deterrence challenges and strategic threat trends. This role supports AF/A10’s work on new technologies, adversary behaviors, and evolving strategic environments.


Responsibilities

The Research Analyst - Emerging Threats conducts structured research on topics such as emerging nuclear and non‑nuclear capabilities, novel delivery systems, strategic competition trends, and cross‑domain escalation risks. They review open‑source and classified reporting, think‑tank and academic work, and internal studies to build well‑sourced analytic products. They develop research papers, briefings, and decision‑support materials that inform AF/A10’s emerging issues, deterrence concepts, and wargaming or study efforts. They also help support forums, workshops, and seminars on emerging deterrence issues by preparing background materials, notes, and post‑event summaries.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in international relations, security studies, political science, or a related field
  • 4+ years of experience in research and analysis on strategic, defense, or national security topics
  • Strong analytic writing skills and experience producing structured reports and briefings
  • Active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting deterrence, arms control, or strategic competition research projects or wargames
  • Familiarity with one or more relevant technical or regional areas (e.g., nuclear modernization, hypersonics, space/cyber threats, PRC/Russia deterrence issues)

Pay Range Information

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. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $150,000.00/Yr.

Job ID

23168

Security Clearance

TS/SCI
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