Is Institute for Defense Analyses a good company to work for?

Institute for Defense Analyses has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5, based on over 231 reviews left anonymously by employees. This rating has decreased by 10% over the last 12 months. 59% of employees would recommend working at Institute for Defense Analyses to a friend and 44% have a positive outlook for the business. The best reviews about Institute for Defense Analyses have been left by employees working as Summer Associate , Research Associate and Research Staff Member .

Does Institute for Defense Analyses pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Institute for Defense Analyses employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.5 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Institute for Defense Analyses. This rating has decreased by 9% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Institute for Defense Analyses?

59% of Institute for Defense Analyses employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Institute for Defense Analyses 3.8 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.2 for culture and values and 2.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Institute for Defense Analyses?

Research Staff Member (44) , Research Associate (21) , Summer Associate (14) , Research Assistant (7) , Research Analyst (4) , Researcher (4) , Senior Research Manager (4) , Computer Systems Administrator (3) , Intern (3) , Science Policy Fellow (3) , Security (3) , Analyst (2) , Data Science Fellow (2) , Data Scientist (2) , Personnel Security Specialist (2)

What are the pros of working at Institute for Defense Analyses according to real employee reviews?

"Great Benefits and PTO" ((in 29 reviews)); "Nice people throughout the company." ((in 16 reviews)); "I've got smart colleagues to work with." ((in 15 reviews)); "Great work life balance at work" ((in 11 reviews)); "Great retirement benefits" ((in 5 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Institute for Defense Analyses according to real employee reviews?

"Pay is low." ((in 10 reviews)); "Cons are pay scales are not transparent and upward mobility is mainly driven by educational degree." ((in 5 reviews)); "Fraud, unprofessional supervisors, unethical management and senior management, pay is inadequate, senior management are not knowledgeable." ((in 3 reviews)); "Not too many cons in my view; fairly flat management structure" ((in 3 reviews))

What are employees saying about Institute for Defense Analyses layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Institute for Defense Analyses layoffs and their outlook for job security at Institute for Defense Analyses in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Institute for Defense Analyses locations?

Alexandria , Washington , Princeton , Arlington , Bowie , New Alexandria

Institute for Defense Analyses reviews

3.6

59% would recommend to a friend

(206 total reviews)

Adm. Charles A. Richard, USN (Ret.)

100% approve of CEO

44% positive business outlook

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

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Institute for Defense Analyses has an employee rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, based on 206 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Institute for Defense Analyses employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Government & Public Administration industry (3.6 stars).

Reviews by job title

206 reviews

5.0

Aug 17, 2015

Research Associate

Research associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Awesome work-life balance, generous 401(K) plan, collegial atmosphere, professional development is very good. One can feel that she/he contributes a lot to the national security, science and/or well-being of the society. Most colleagues are very smart with many credentials.

Cons

The type of work varies and some may be stuck doing mundane things. Need to have better lab environment and start using Macs. Comp is below average but can be negotiated when joining the company.

4.0

Aug 7, 2015

Nice

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There is a good work life balance. IDA hires w/o experience and provides great benefits. Great coworkers Own office (most of the time)

Cons

Pay is definitely not competitive with respect to private industry. Also work can be mundane during lulls. Cafeteria is not the best. Located in the middle of nowhere. Lots of old people.

3.0

Jul 7, 2015

Average Company

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Great job security... if you want to work for one company and stay with that company long term, this is the place for you. Also great 401k... they give you 11% for your 5% contribution.

Cons

Salaries are pretty low compared to consultant gigs or peer companies. The environment is highly 'political' and that can impact your career growth and what opportunities you may have in the future.

Viewing 175 - 177 of 206 Reviews

Jobs at Institute for Defense Analyses

CCS - Security Officer (1st Shift)

Summer Associate SCAMP 2027-28 CCRP

Senior Executive Assistant to EVP

Security Guard -- (SAN DIEGO, CA)