IT Business Analyst - Lead IT Associate - Hybrid

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.
Job Summary:
Westat is seeking a detail-oriented and talented IT Business Analyst to bridge the gap between our software development and project research teams. You will collaborate in the end-to-end process of identifying stakeholder needs, analyzing requirements, and delivering solutions to support our clients’ missions to improve outcomes in healthcare quality, clinical research, public health, education, social policy, and transportation.
This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement at our corporate headquarters 2 days per week in Bethesda, Maryland. 
Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and document business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Conduct detailed analysis of business processes, workflows, and systems to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Develop and maintain requirement documentation, including use cases, process flows, and functional specifications.
• Work closely with IT teams to ensure that technical solutions align with project goals and requirements.
• Assist in the design, testing, and implementation of new systems and enhancements to existing systems.
• Perform gap analysis to identify discrepancies between requirements and current capabilities.
• Facilitate communication between users, stakeholders, IT, and project management teams.
• Provide support and training to end-users to ensure successful adoption of new systems and processes.
• Support the monitoring of project progress and provide regular updates to IT project managers and stakeholders.
• Support the administration and implementation of projects via the Agile methodology.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance, requiring consistent U.S. residency for the majority of the last five years.
• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in business analysis or equivalent role.
• Demonstrated success in leading requirements gathering and documentation process in collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and development teams.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality documentation for requirements, solution options, business cases, and recommendations on proposed solutions.
• Proven experience crafting purposeful documentation to clearly communicate business requirements and foster stakeholder alignment, leveraging analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience applying QA methodologies to drive testing efficiency and accuracy, supported by detailed test plans and documented results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in professional services research environment.
• Agile related certification or PMP preferred.
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with data analysis and reporting tools.
• Experience working with change management committees, prioritization processes, and end user groups.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with change control and DevOps management tools (e.g., GitLab, JIRA, etc.).

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave  (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave  (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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