Institute for Defense Analyses Reviews

Pay increases haven't kept up with cost of living increases. It was impossible for a single income employee to afford a home near IDA in the past and just the threat of the HQ2 has driven up home and rent costs. And, IDA's new building will be even closer to HQ2.... Staff outside of the exec offices should be able to afford a comfortable living and a reasonable commute to work.

Extremely risk adverse organization that is not that interested in developments outside its orbit. You also don't get a lot of recognition for working here because...no one's heard of IDA. Your research will be under the radar and not something the outside world will really know about. There is also a culture dominated by older white men who seem to actively resist efforts to make IDA any different. And why should they? The culture is ideal for them. For others, not so much. There are people who have been here for 30, 35 years and you can tell. If you're a woman, think twice before coming. No, seriously, consider every other FFRDC before you come here. If you do come here, stay active in your professional network. You COULD come here and deal with this culture, but WHY.