JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists)
August 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Position Title/Short Description
Section: Full-Time Nonacademic
Location: Pentagon, District of Columbia, UNITED STATES
JEL Classifications:
L -- Industrial Organization
L1 -- Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
L3 -- Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise
D4 -- Market Structure, Pricing, and Design
C8 -- Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
F5 -- International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy
H -- Public Economics
H5 -- National Government Expenditures and Related Policies
I1 -- Health
I2 -- Education and Research Institutions
J -- Labor and Demographic Economics
Z0 -- General
Keywords:
Applied microeconomics
Health
Education
Defense
National security
Labor
Full Text of JOE Listing:
The Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) is an interdisciplinary agency that supports DoD senior leaders through non-advocate, quantitatively driven decision support. Analysts conduct data and policy analysis to help decision makers allocate billions of dollars across the Department of Defense. The DoD welcomes applications from candidates across all fields of study. Economic topics include industrial organization, health, labor, education, and national security.
CAPE works to foster intellectual leadership, promote a collaborative interdisciplinary environment, and provide strategic direction to DoD senior leaders. Recruited economists will be expected to conduct independent and collaborative analysis, and present at policy meetings to senior DoD leadership. Previous projects include evaluating labor market conditions in key industries, modeling tradeoffs between outsourcing capabilities and services, and forecasting multi-billion-dollar contract costs.
Qualifications
- U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and retain a TS/SCI security clearance. Dual citizens must be prepared to relinquish foreign citizenship.
Qualities of Ideal Candidates:
- Economics Ph.D.
- Interest in policy-driven projects
- Enjoy a fast-paced environment
- Desire to acquire knowledge beyond their current expertise.
We will consider candidates newly graduated, recent graduates, and mid-career individuals
CAPE is an equal opportunity employer.
Application Requirements:
- External Application URL and Instructions Below
- Letters of Reference Instructions Below
Reference Instructions:
Application Instructions:
- CV/Resume - no longer than 2 pages (please note U.S. citizenship)
- Cover Letter (no more than 500 words): Please include in your letter why you are interested in working in national security/public service.
- One research paper
- Transcripts: You must include undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Please ensure your transcripts show at least 3 total hours of calculus, otherwise we unfortunately cannot consider your application.
- Letters of Recommendation may be requested after initial screening and interview
Please fill out the application in the “employment” section of the link.
The application will ask you to self-select the pay grades (GS) you would like to be considered for. Please select the level that best match the specialized experience description in the link.
Application deadline: 11/15/2025
Direct questions to: osd.pentagon.cape.mbx.econ-applications@mail.mil