search

Nonprofit Advantage

At Riverside Research, our stakeholders are the American people. Our primary purpose is to serve the research, development, and operational needs of the U.S. Government and to keep America safe. Our nonprofit structure gives us the freedom to do what’s right. We measure our success by the positive impact we make in the world.

Mission over profit

Mission over profit


As an independent nonprofit, we mostly compete alongside for-profit companies in the DOD and Intelligence Communities. We provide mission assurance support and contract research and development, two broad categories of customer support. Our mission assurance work focuses on supporting our customers in areas such as systems engineering and technical assistance. Through contract research and development, we help our mission partners create new capabilities.

Permission to stay curious

Permission to stay curious

We pursue high-impact, industry-leading opportunities, which naturally puts an emphasis on curiosity, learning, thought leadership, and strong values. The nonprofit advantage allows our team to work in an environment where they are seen, interconnected, encouraged in professional growth, and nurtured so that their engagement reaches their highest potential impact.  

Riverside Research’s roots can be traced back to our inception as Columbia University’s Electronic Research Laboratory. Curiosity, unhindered by the constraints of corporate structure, has fueled our continuous innovation for over 50 years.

Objective thought leadership

Objective thought leadership

As a nonprofit, we are positioned to provide objective views to the defense industrial base and to our customers. This includes providing insights and guidance on topics relevant to national security including emerging technical areas, capabilities, and applications. Riverside Research has customer longevity and technology expertise in a combination that are hard to find in our industry, and this helps shape a distinct voice of authenticity that enables us to pursue a position of influence with our peer companies, our customers, and across our industry.

When we win, our people win

When we win, our people win

We invest in our work and the people who make it happen. 

Riverside Research offers a unique blend of nonprofit status, R&D culture, and depth of mission understanding. If you’re looking for an environment that values investment in research, devotion to personal and team growth, and the agility to meet mission critical demands, consider joining Riverside Research.

Careers