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Institute for Defense Analyses

Engaged Employer

Good folks, antiquated business model, establishment organization - Research Staff Member Institute for Defense Analyses Employee Review

4.0
Jun 25, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Pay is really good and the only place I've worked where no one is a jerk! Nice facilities, pretty good support. A lot of the work is pretty relevant.

Cons

1950s FFRC business model, not sure the viability. No mobility/career advancement. PTO is really awful. 6 hours per pay period for first two years, regardless of seniority. Behind closed doors, people bring their politics to work. Sort of exhausting.

Explore other reviews about Institute for Defense Analyses

5.0
Jul 14, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Loved it, learned a lot and helped me grow.

Cons

Pay and lack of advancement

4.0
Jul 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very smart people across a range of STEM disciplines Freedom on what you get to work on Relative lack of office politics Interesting exciting projects available

Cons

Hard to think of a con. Every place has its own flavour and IDA CCS Bowie like anywhere else, isn't for anyone. I'm not positive either way about IDA's budget/hiring situation these days, with all the stuff going on in this general space. It also can be easy to find yourself getting lost when it comes to finding a good project if you are not careful. But even that is a bit of a reach.

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