Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist at ARA in Alexandria, VA

Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist

The Capabilities, Analysis and Development (CAD) division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) has an outstanding opportunity for a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist to support a multi-disciplinary team providing data analysis, business intelligence, operations research, and decision support across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mission space. As a Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist, you will independently design and conduct evaluations supporting DHS S&T’s portfolio of research, technology development, and operational capability programs. This role advances the Directorate’s evidence-building requirements, supports annual evaluation plans, and collaborates with program managers to ensure that investments generate measurable outcomes for DHS mission components.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead evaluation design for select S&T programs in alignment with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (Evidence Act) and DHS Evaluation Policy 102-06.
• Develop evaluation questions, methodologies, data collection instruments, and analysis plans.
• Conduct mixed-methods analyses (statistical analysis, qualitative coding, case studies, cost-effectiveness assessments).
• Develop performance metrics tailored to RDT&E programs and technology transition pathways.
• Produce high-quality evaluation reports, briefings, dashboards, and data visualizations for leadership.
• Work with program managers to identify evidence gaps and shape learning agendas.
• Provide recommendations that inform investment decisions, project prioritization, and program improvement.
• Manage contractor support and coordinate with research partners, laboratories, and DHS operational components.
• Ensure ethical, privacy, and security compliance related to DHS-sensitive data and operational information.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program or policy evaluations.
• Misty be a US Citizen.
• Able to obtain and maintain DHS Suitability.
• Bachelors degree with 5-7 years of experience.
• Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with evaluation software or tools.
• Ability to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement in a technical or operational environment.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to know when other methods may be appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree or PhD with 3-5 years of experience.
• Knowledge of DHS S&T mission areas, federal RDT&E lifecycles, and technology transition metrics.
• Experience developing evaluation plans required under the Evidence Act (annual evaluation plans, capacity assessments, program reviews).

Working Conditions:

• Work will be remote with occasional travel to client site and potential evaluation sites. Client offices are at DHS’ St. Elizabeth campus in Washington, D.C.

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $100,000.00 - $133,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 1200 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Journeyman Program Evaluation Specialist position.