Operations Research Analyst

As civilians, we share the same responsibility and passion as those in uniform — driving innovation, building the systems that protect our nation, and meeting every challenge with purpose.

About the role

This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled and classified to the series represented by the candidate that meets the qualifications of one of the following: Operations Research Analyst (GS-1515-11 target 13) or Computer Scientist (GS-1550-11 target 13). This position may be filled at the GS-11, 12, or 13 level. Attainment of knowledge, skills, and abilities is required before promotion to the next higher grade.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve in a career progression role, applying Operations Research and Computer Science to perform professional and scientific work requiring systematic, critical, and intensive investigation. This work develops principles, criteria, methods, and data to support projects or problem-solving studies. The ideal candidate has strong technical skills (coding, statistics, optimization) and critical thinking or problem-solving abilities, typically found in mathematicians or engineers. Previous experience with the Department of Defense (DoD) is preferred but not required.

The team applies data to answer complex questions at the General Officer/Senior Executive Service (GO/SES) level, seeking adaptable candidates with a wide set of technical skills and strong communication abilities.

Location: SAF/SA, Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Position: Permanent

This position is designated Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI). U.S. citizenship is required. The position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, requiring initial and periodic drug testing. Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft (up to 25%).

Responsibilities

• Apply analytical, mathematical, computer, and/or statistical theories, principles, and practices to plan, coordinate, and execute segments of complex studies under the guidance of senior analysts.
• Compile, organize, and analyze data/information to find solutions to problems using established operations research and computer methods.
• Participate in special initiatives, studies, and projects, and attend meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and professional development to remain current in the field and apply to work assignments.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, engineering, or a closely-related scientific discipline is highly desired. Advanced degree(s) are preferred.
• Must exhibit a high degree of judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and the ability to foresee the impact of changing technology.
• Eligibility for access to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
• This position meets the professional exemption for the Fair Labor Standards Act (5 CFR 551.206).

Skills

• Knowledge of a wide range of principles, concepts, and practices of Computer Science and Operations Research to analyze systems, processes, and operational problems.
• Knowledge of mathematics, analysis, and computer science to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence.
• Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods to develop, adapt, modify, and apply computer-based models to resolve problems or define alternative solutions.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply basic research procedures and recommend solutions to senior analysts.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
• Ability to plan and organize work and confer with co-workers effectively.

Pay

$85,447 - $158,322 per year

Benefits

• 11 Federal Holidays each year
• 13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)
• Paid Vacation Time: 13-26 days per year based on length of employment
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance (no waiting period for you and your family)
• Retirement: Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Social Security
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) (automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)

Schedule

This position is not eligible for telework or remote work. Travel up to 25% may be required.