The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers serving the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Homeland Security, Unified Commands and Defense Agencies in addressing important national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise.

Under general supervision, this position provides technical support for IDA’s microcomputer systems.  Responsibilities include coverage for Tier 2 Help Desk tickets, completion of Tier 2 tasks for Change Requests, securing workstations with critical patches and upgrades, installing operating systems and approved application software and troubleshooting software problems. Prepares new and reassigned systems for network communications, and follows proper disposal procedures for retired systems. Ensures new system configurations meet the intended requirements and are compatible with existing systems and network services.

• Provides technical support for Tier 2 Help Desk tickets, escalates issues as needed to Tier 3, and completes Tier 2 tasks for Change Requests.
• Responds to user questions on software and related hardware problems in a multiple platform environment, which includes PC’s, Macintoshes and emerging technologies.
• Installs new systems by backing up the old system, installing a current operating system and reinstalling old, upgraded or new approved application software.  Assists the user with new disk and system configurations. Troubleshoots software and related hardware problems.
• Reconfigures reassigned systems to include upgrading the operating system and reinstalling upgraded or newly approved application software.  Assists the new user with disk and system configuration.
• Prepares new and reassigned systems for network communications and follows proper disposal procedures for retired systems, Ensures that systems meet the intended requirements and are compatible with existing systems and network services.
• Ensures that workstations are properly configured to receive patches and other critical updates and to provide software and hardware census information to the corporate asset management system.
• Assists in researching and resolving IT system and service problems or issues involving other Enterprise IT Operations groups. Provides recommendations on network and system improvements or upgrades that will enhance performance and user operations.
• Maintains technical proficiency as new software and hardware technologies are implemented at IDA. Also maintains a current knowledge of new network and system developments within the IT field.
• Participates in testing new software and hardware, and developing implementation plans for new configurations.  Participates in compatibility testing IDA network systems and services. Ensures that systems comply with IDA’s current configuration management, security and networking guidelines.
• Informs the Supervisor, PC Software and Help Desk, of any system problems or issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• BS/BA Degree in Computer Science or related area, or equivalent experience.
• Two or more years experience working with microcomputer software, hardware, associated peripherals and networks; one or more years experience in computer user support.
• Working knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, network cabling, e-mail and web services, remote access methodologies.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and possess good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate Security Clearances.

IDA offers a competitive salary, an enviable benefits package, and a superior professional environment in a park-like setting. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.

The Institute for Defense Analyses is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!

Our preferred method of receiving your resume is via email. If you are unable to email your resume, you may fax it to us. Resumes and inquiries should be sent to:

Institute for Defense Analyses
Attn: Employment Office
4850 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22311
Fax Number: (240) 282-8314
Email: resumes@ida.org