Research Analyst - Emerging Threats

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.

The Research Analyst - Emerging Threats conducts structured research on topics such as emerging nuclear and nonnuclear capabilities, novel delivery systems, strategic competition trends, and crossdomain escalation risks. They review opensource and classified reporting, thinktank and academic work, and internal studies to build wellsourced analytic products. They develop research papers, briefings, and decisionsupport 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 postevent summaries.

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)