Defense and National Security Science & Technology Program Specialist

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach-one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world's most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The Defense and National Security Science & Technology Specialist supports the planning, coordination, and execution of science and technology (S&T) research projects for U.S. Government National Security sponsors. Working under the guidance of senior program leadership, this role contributes to day-to-day project execution, technical coordination, and stakeholder engagement to ensure high-quality research delivery aligned with sponsor requirements.

The Analyst applies foundational experience in government-funded research programs by supporting multidisciplinary teams, assisting with desk research, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and helping translate project tasks into clear project documentation and communications.

Project Execution & Support

• Perform applied research related to innovation strategy, ecosystems, business models, policy contexts, and organizational processes, using established qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Lead defined research tasks or small analytical workstreams with senior guidance, including designing analytic approaches, coordinating data collection, and synthesizing interim and final findings.
• Develop evidence-based analytical deliverables, including literature reviews, benchmarking analyses, background memos, slide decks, and written reports for internal teams and external clients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., economists, technologists, policy experts, operations staff) to integrate diverse perspectives into coherent analyses and recommendations.
• Document analytical methods, data sources, assumptions, and limitations to support transparency, quality assurance, and reuse of analytical assets.
• Conduct background research and analysis related to emerging technologies, research approaches, and sponsor mission needs.
• Synthesize technical information into summaries and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support review of deliverables for completeness, clarity, and alignment with project objectives.
• Support communication with government sponsors, internal RTI teams, subcontractors, and external partners under senior staff direction.
• Participate in program meetings, capture notes and action items, and support follow-up coordination.
• Assist in preparing presentations, briefings, and written materials for sponsor and RTI leadership audiences.

Business Development

• Contribute to proposal development and opportunity shaping by providing background research, analytical framing, technical writing, and past-performance inputs.
• Contribute to professional and scientific outputs, such as conference presentations, workshops, white papers, or peer-reviewed publications, with mentoring from senior staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience supporting science and technology programs, research projects, or government-funded initiatives in the national security context; or a Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience with defense, national security, or federally funded research practices (through professional experience, internships, or academic work).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the collection and analysis of technical data, the compilation and management of databases of moderate complexity using Excel or other database software, or qualitative data collection and analysis approaches such as surveys, interviews or focus groups.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize technical information clearly.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple tasks with guidance.
• Experience supporting U.S. National Security Government programs (e.g., DoW, Intelligence Community, or other federal agencies).
• Understanding of DoW research, development, test, evaluation and acquisition practices through study or practical knowledge.
• Exposure to DoW operational needs, functions and procurement practices.
• Experience contributing to research proposals and/or project documentation.
• Periodic domestic travel may be required based on program needs.
• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status(e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant technical, scientific, or policy discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with government research funding, contracts, or program management processes.
• Project Management Professional certification or Defense Acquisition Program Management training.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is availablehere.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.