Operations Research Systems Analyst (ORSA) - Senior Level

About the role

The Operations Research Systems Analyst (ORSA) supports data-driven decision-making by developing rigorous analytical solutions to multifaceted mission challenges, providing actionable insights to senior leaders, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of intelligence operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply mathematical models, optimization techniques, and algorithmic solutions to improve intelligence operations and resource utilization.
• Conduct systematic analyses of operational workflows to identify inefficiencies, quantify impacts, and recommend improvements.
• Perform statistical analysis and experimental design to evaluate system performance and test operational hypotheses.
• Build and run discrete event simulations to model complex operational scenarios and assess potential courses of action.
• Apply decision analysis and risk assessment methodologies to support planning in uncertain and dynamic environments.
• Develop, measure, and assess operational metrics, including Measures of Performance (MOPs), Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Evaluate system performance using quantitative techniques and provide recommendations for optimization.
• Prepare analytical reports, dashboards, and visualizations explaining findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Brief complex analysis and model results to senior leadership to support data-driven decision-making.
• Support operational planning teams with quantitative insights and structured analytical methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, automate tasks, and enhance mission performance.
• Develop custom analytical tools, models, and approaches tailored to specific intelligence or operational requirements.
• Participate in JIOC intelligence planning conferences, exercises, J2 working groups, capability development sessions, national-level coordination boards, and technical exchange meetings.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Operations Research, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Required Skills: Advanced expertise in multiple OR methodologies (optimization, stochastic modeling, simulation, systems analysis); deep understanding of complex systems modeling and quantitative problem-solving; proven success applying OR techniques to real-world operational challenges; experience with R, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent analytical software; experience designing and implementing enterprise-level metrics and performance frameworks; advanced knowledge of experimental design, statistical inference, and simulation development; ability to create complex simulation models tailored to operational environments; strategic thinking that aligns analytical findings with mission priorities and decision-maker requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 8+ years of OR, systems analysis, or related analytical experience, with demonstrated impact on operational effectiveness and mission outcomes.