Senior Assessments Lead / Social Scientist

**This position is contingent upon contract award**

Amentum is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Social Scientist to support US Operations in the Information Environment (OIE) and Military Psychological Operations (PSYOPs). This role involves leading a team of Social Scientists, managing assessment strategies across multiple vendors, and providing expert advice to military leadership. Toward this end, s/he will provide demographic data on audiences of interest, identify key communicators and influencers, perform conduit and network analysis, assess transregional influence of relevant actors, provide analysis of major regional events, conduct quantitative and qualitative assessments, and integrate assessments into a Combatant Command’s assessment framework and reporting systems. The ideal candidate will possess advanced proficiency in AI-supported analytical tools and will guide the integration of emerging technologies to enhance operational assessment capabilities.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and guide a team of Social Scientists in both office and field environments, ensuring effective collaboration and resilience under dynamic or high-stress circumstances.
• Assessment Strategy Management: Develop and oversee sociocultural analysis and behavioral support strategies aligned with communication initiatives and OIE objectives. Employ AI-driven analytical tools to improve the accuracy and efficiency of assessment processes.
• Mission Enablement: Provide analysis, finished products, and raw data that facilitate the execution and assessment of OIE activities and investments.
• Advisory Role: Provide expert advice to military leadership on sociocultural dynamics, behavioral trends and shifts of audiences, and the strategic application of emerging technologies, including AI and related analytical tools, to operational assessment contexts.
• Sociocultural Analysis: Conduct thorough research on target audiences, utilizing Department of Defense methodology while applying industry techniques to develop detailed profiles for designated areas of interest. Ensure ethical practices in all research and operational contexts.
• Technology Integration: Stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the field, advising military leadership on the adoption of relevant new tools and methodologies to enhance OIE and PSYOPs effectiveness.
• Field Support: Participate in international travel, including operations in austere or conflict-affected regions, to support field teams and ensure alignment of strategies with on-ground realities.

Required Qualifications:

• Must have an active Top-Secret security clearance and be SCI eligible.  Note:  US Citizenship is required to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance.
• Proven experience in sociocultural analysis, behavioral support, and the development of communication strategies.
• Expertise in managing and executing diverse global research program and reporting on results.
• Exceptional written acumen to include creation of research reports, white papers and peer reviewed quality research.
• Demonstrated proficiency in AI-generated analytical tools and their application to sociocultural and behavioral analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage diverse teams in high-stress and dynamic environments.
• Commitment to ethical practices in research and operational contexts.
• Willingness and capability to travel internationally, often to challenging environments.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Mass Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, or related disciplines) essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD preferred.

       

Compensation Details:

       

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

 

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

 

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

       

Original Posting:

01/15/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

       

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.