Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.

 

Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.

 

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. 

 

 

MSI is seeking a Research Specialist who will be responsible for conducting research and studies and analyzing data from a variety of sources to provide input on Defense programs and projects and assist in developing policies and strategies to guide the acquisition and sustainment of Defense systems and capabilities for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) and the divisions that support it, namely the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Acquisition), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Energy, Installations and Environment), and Assistant Secretary of Defense (Industrial Base Policy), as well as the Directorate of Business Operations. The position will be based in the DC metro area.

 

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.  

At MSI, health and safety play a vital role in our success. MSI Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including health orders and regulations related to COVID-19 that are mandated by local, state and federal authorities. 

 

MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work.   

 

We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants’ and employees’ religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.  MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer. 

 

Reasonable Accommodations: 

MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Tech’s Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates. 

 

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. 
 

Proposal and tender opportunity   
 

U.S. Teams and Clients 

 

Institutional Strengthening and Localization (International Development) 

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 470 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees—22,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

 

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

 

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

Twitter: @TetraTechJobs

Facebook: @TetraTechCareers

 

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity, inclusion, and equity are among Tetra Tech’s core values. Throughout our history, the company has prioritized equitable inclusion of all people. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, military or veteran status, gender, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information and any other characteristics protected by the law. We invite resumes from all interested parties. Please visit our website at www.tetratech.com to see the array of diverse services and exciting projects we are currently working on.

 

Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans for available positions.

 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

Please no phone calls or agencies.

Additional Information Organization: 174 PRT