Senior Research Scientist (Test & Evaluation)

Company Description

CPG’s mission is to apply science to improve and support decision-making and complex cognitive performance for individuals and teams. We do that by conducting studies and co-developing products that model, measure, train, and support decision-making and cognitive performance in complex, time-pressured, high-risk, uncertain, and dynamic operating environments. We specialize in military contexts and we solve novel problems for Warfighters with our cutting-edge techniques and scientific rigor. We are a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of applied researchers, trainers, technologists, veterans, and military subject-matter experts who work closely and collaboratively with our partners, clients, stakeholders, and the end users we serve. Role Description Cognitive Performance Group (CPG) is seeking a full-time professional to join our team as an applied senior scientist specializing in human performance measurement in field test and evaluation contexts. The individual must be able to travel up to 50% of the time, work 10-14 hour days while on travel, and be willing to take their turn working overnight shifts during field events. The individual selected for this position will work on an inter-disciplinary team performing applied research on and evaluations of human-machine team (HMT) performance, human computer interaction, and user experience with systems and interfaces, primarily in military force-on-force or other test and exercise events. The ideal candidate for this position is a flexible problem-solver with 10+ years of experience conducting field-based research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) on HMTs in military or in similarly complex, dynamic settings. We will consider candidates with equivalent years of professional experience conducting military training exercises and events. A proven record of advocating for end users’ requirements is a must. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments where highly motivated teams detect and solve problems in stride, under time pressure, for highly visible programmatic work where their inputs result in meaningful new capabilities for our Nation’s Warfighters. Scope of Work & Responsibilities Develop and refine quantitative and qualitative metrics to measure HMT test objective(s). Develop and refine mixed methods collection tools and processes as the complexity and scale of the testing events increase. Develop and refine mixed methods visualizations of HMT performance. (Re-)design or (re-)organize the testing environment with stakeholders for each event; identify and resolve challenges to test rigor in stride. Collect or oversee the collection of HMT performance data through observations, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other methods. Write test plans, daily reports, and final reports as well as support after action reviews with stakeholders at events. Oversee a team of researchers and software engineers responsible for execution of test plans and analysis of mixed method, multi-source test data. Represent the CPG team’s contributions to partners, stakeholders, and customers. Support the mission of the organization through knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Required Qualifications

Education and Professional Experience Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an applied social science discipline such as Human Computer Interaction, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Human Factors Engineering, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Experimental Psychology; a learning and development discipline such as Modeling & Simulation; or a related field. 10+ years of combined professional experience in the Department of Defense as an active duty service member, Government civilian, or employee of a contractor. Applied Research Experience Proven ability to lead projects and remote teams, including budget and schedule management, quality control, and customer relations. Proven ability to conceptualize and develop new projects or programs of research that address customer and user community requirements. Strong research, analysis, and synthesis skills. Exceptional problem-finding and creative problem-solving skills. Functional understanding of statistics and data analysis methods and tools. Proven record of published writing and/or public speaking to a professional audience. Experience with two or more of the following: *Uncrewed, autonomous, or semi-autonomous systems *Operations Research/Systems Analysis *Cognitive Task Analysis or similar qualitative analysis method *Quantitative analysis *Metrics and assessment instrument development *Sociotechnical system analysis *Design of learning tools or systems *Curriculum development *Talent management *Job analysis *Interest in conducting tests and evaluations for the Department of Defense that directly support Warfighters. Collaboration and Communication Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams made up of researchers, engineers, technologists, subject-matter experts, end users, and other stakeholders on research and product development. Ability to work effectively as a team and independently in a virtual environment. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to coach and mentor junior staff members. Travel Requirements Must be willing and able to travel up to 40-50% of the time, including weekends, on trips ranging from 5 to 21 days. The travel requirement is expected to be two 3-week events per year, plus shorter travel engagements of up to 1 week each for planning meetings prior to the events. Must be willing to work 10- to 14-hour days while on travel for up to 21 consecutive days. Overtime is compensated. Recovery time following travel days is highly encouraged. Must be willing to work overnight shifts while on travel, if needed. Other Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially SharePoint, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Must possess an active security clearance. U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD from an accredited institution in an applied social science discipline such as Human Computer Interaction, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Human Factors Engineering, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Experimental Psychology; a learning and development discipline such as Modeling & Simulation; or a related field. Service in or research experience with the U.S. military. Experience working with one or more of the following organizations: Army Research Institute; Army Research Laboratory; Air Force Research Laboratory; Office of Naval Research; Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division; Marine Corps Training and Education Command; or similar military organization. Experience with uncrewed, autonomous, or semi-autonomous systems. Job Classification: Full-time, 40 hours per week Start Date: 1 Jan 2027 Compensation: $118,000 - $150,000 Post Date: 30 Oct 2026 Security Clearance: US citizenship required. Active SECRET clearance or higher required. Closing Date: When filled Location: Remote. Up to 50% travel required (including international) Relocation: Not available