Senior Research Analyst - TS/SCI Required

LMI is seeking a Senior Research Analyst for on-site work in the National Capital Region.

The Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's Mission Capabilities (MC), Prototyping and Experimentation (P&E) coordinates efforts designed to rapidly mature prototypes addressing urgent, cross-Service or cross-domain capability gaps. We are seeking an experienced, mission-driven individual to join the team within the Prototyping and Experimentation Office. This office drives DoD-wide innovation through rapid prototyping, joint experimentation, and high-priority modernization initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the Department's most advanced and cross-domain capability efforts.

LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.

Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors-helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.

We are seeking qualified individuals whose primary responsibility is to drive strategic analysis, enable decision-making, and synchronize high-priority efforts across the prototyping and experimentation enterprise. This role involves developing executive-level briefing materials, strategy papers, and communications in support of senior DoD leadership; coordinating actions across OUSD(R&E) directorates, Services, Combatant Commands, and interagency partners; and ensuring alignment of emerging technology initiatives with Departmental goals. Qualified candidates will:

Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic analysis, policy insight, and executive-level recommendations on matters related to modernization, prototyping, and innovation.

• Lead the development and coordination of decision briefs, strategy papers, talking points, and presentation materials for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) P&E and other OUSD(R&E) leadership.

• Coordinate across internal and external stakeholders-including Services, Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, and interagency partners-to support synchronization of research, development, prototyping, and experimentation efforts.

• Track and integrate emerging technology initiatives and experimentation campaigns (e.g., RDER, T-REX) to ensure alignment with Departmental priorities and timely execution.

• Manage high-priority taskers and strategic communications in support of leadership engagements, Congressional inquiries, and senior-level forums.

• Contribute to internal governance and decision-making processes by preparing read-ahead materials, options papers, and after-action reports.

• Support special initiatives and cross-functional efforts to accelerate the transition of emerging capabilities into operational use.

• Develop, implement, and manage the organization's strategic planning process, collaborating with senior leadership to define strategic vision, priorities, and objectives.

• Identify, prioritize, and lead special projects that align with the Department's strategic vision, coordinating cross-functional teams and resources to ensure successful project execution.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, government agencies, and industry partners to gather input, share information, and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.

• Conduct master-level research and analysis of issues, including wargaming and brainstorming sessions to support hypotheses on issues and initiatives.

• Provide pre-decisional analysis and advice pertaining to planned or emerging DoD policy and strategy to OUSD (R&E) senior leadership.

• Develop short- and long-term modernization strategies, aligning emerging technology efforts with DoD priorities.

• Serve as a liaison to Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Services, and external stakeholders.

• Monitor and synchronize progress of prototyping efforts and key capability transitions.

• Assist and advise DASD on Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) / Working Groups (WG) and participate in pertinent conferences and forums in addition to specific DASD projects.

• Possess strong research skills, knowing how and where to acquire information about DoD technologies, training, experiments, organizations, doctrine, etc.

• Prepare finished analytical products, including briefings and technical reports.

• Be willing to travel to and/or work from government facilities in the National Capital Region (e.g., the Pentagon, Suffolk Bldg, Mark Center, etc.).

• Requires a BA/BS degree with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or a Masters degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience and 4+ years of experience supervising or leading teams or projects.

• Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: coordinating special projects, strategic planning initiatives, pre-decisional policy analysis and advice, and leading efforts for a large organization.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Familiarity with the Department of Defense staffs and supporting organizations.

• Self-motivated, organized, and willing to work as part of a team.

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.

• Multi-disciplinary Intelligence experience and Counterintelligence experience desired.

• Military planner experience, Command and General Staff (or equivalent), Senior Service School in residence a plus.

Target salary range: $82,000 - $141,000

Disclaimer:

The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation. Individual salaries are determined by various factors including, but not limited to location, internal equity, business considerations, client contract requirements, and candidate qualifications, such as education, experience, skills, and security clearances. Final compensation will be determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to your skills, experience, education, and/or certifications.