Research Scientist

at  CNA

Job Description
Posted Monday, March 25, 2024, 11:00 PM | Expires Friday, July 26, 2024, 10:59 PM

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. science, engineering, mathematics) or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.
• Experience: Typical minimum requirements 5+ years of experience in research and analysis, including experience directly supporting emerging concepts and technologies in the aviation domain.
• Skills:
• Ability to work on progressively more difficult projects/analyses, including directing portions of large research projects or small to medium projects under general supervision;
• Ability to lead project teams to achieve goals on time and within budget;
• Ability to operate independently and proactively in the execution of assignments;
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment;
• Strong critical thinking skills;
• Knowledge of research techniques and creation of research plans and approaches;
• Strong planning and organizational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Strong and effective oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to interact directly and effectively with clients and influence their decisions.
• Other:
• Knowledge of FAA and international aviation strategies, modernization initiatives, and roadmaps;
• Provides expertise in the application of state-of-the-art technology to meet mission requirements;
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA is seeking a Research Scientist for our Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization within the Institute for Public Research (IPR). As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to balance the needs of increased air traffic demand, integration of new entrants such as uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or drones), air taxis and commercial space launches, and application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), they look to CNA to tackle their most complex challenges through data-driven analyses that produces actionable recommendations. CNA provides insights that combines our knowledge of advanced technologies, modern architectures, and cybersecurity best practices with a deep understanding of the mission to guide implementation. You can join a strong team delivering high impact solutions to modernize FAA systems and operations to meet the needs of the face-paced air traffic control environment.
This is an opportunity to advance the mission of the FAA and related aviation stakeholders to enhance the delivery of aviation services for the public good. The Research Scientist will be a key team member, eliciting stakeholder needs and generating requirements, developing operational concepts and use cases, researching emerging technologies and state of the art practices, designing analyses, modeling, and simulations, and evaluating the application and trade-offs of various technologies. This is all while applying an understanding of impacts and considerations on the national airspace system. The role will contribute recommendations based on recent advances, best practices, and gaps to implement modern systems and technologies that advance the future of aviation while continuing to ensure its safety and security.
CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES

• Routinely produces analysis on structured and unstructured problems that meets CNA’s quality standards with limited direction and general supervision. Demonstrates ability to develop and apply creative and innovative analytic solutions to complex problems with assistance/support from more senior staff. Shows the ability to synthesize analytic results into a broader context. Can lead complex analytic projects with supervision. Begins to make connections and synthesize ideas across multiple, related studies.
• Develops and maintains deep, specific institutional knowledge and expertise of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues. Uses that knowledge to support training & mentoring of new staff, to support on-going work, and to support development and shaping of new work for existing clients/ sponsors.
• Balances responsiveness to guidance with independent action. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly. Independently identifies opportunities for collaboration within team, division, and operating unit. Supports supervisor’s initiatives and helps make vision a reality. Recognizes and acknowledges contributions from subordinates.
• Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by interacting with CNA managers and current clients/sponsors on securing follow on work (e.g., small grants, or above core projects), expanding or developing new ideas for future projects, and occasionally working with potential clients/sponsors on developing new project ideas. Occasionally serves as internal reviewer of technical proposals.
• Interacts regularly and independently with clients/sponsors and related parties. Typical interactions are at the “peer equivalent” level, but some level of interaction at senior level. Can effectively represent CNA as an organization.
• Influences decisions by sponsors/ clients; provide sponsors/clients with implementable recommendations. Occasionally supports efforts to enhance CNA’s reputation via publishing and outreach activities.
• Demonstrates strong and effective communications skills, to include ability to summarize and synthesize larger pieces of work into effective executive summaries/executive briefings. Can effectively present work to more senior and larger audiences. Effectively communicates with & engages colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Works under limited direction and general supervision from division management. Can lead projects of low to medium size and/or complexity, as well as significant tasks on large or more complex projects. Effectively manages all aspects of assigned projects, to include delivery of high-quality analytic products on-time, and on-budget.
• Plays a supporting role in the mentoring and training of new staff individually or as a member of a project team. Regularly demonstrates initiative in pursuing improvements in the quality of our projects and analytic products. Participates in corporate initiatives when asked to do so, and makes contributions to initiatives focused on making CNA a better place to work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.