Senior Operations Research Analyst

Team CATHEXIS elevates the government contracting experience through rapid response, deep skill, and thoughtful problem‑solving and communication. Our core capabilities are top‑tier program and project management, data analytics, and audit services, delivered with an integrated approach to operational excellence. We value integrity, ownership, growth, and purpose, and we strive to create a rewarding environment for employees, customers, partners, and communities.

About the role

The Senior Operations Research Analyst will apply quantitative and analytical methods to support the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Strategic Readiness (DASW(SR)), Warfighter Development Division, Warfighter Education Section. The analyst will develop data‑driven metrics, decision‑support tools, and assessments for the Senior Service College (SSC) Task Force’s review of the SSC Fellowship Program and the broader SSC portfolio in support of the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness (OUSW(P&R)). This position is onsite daily at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and apply quantitative modeling, statistical, and other analytical methods to develop and interpret data supporting SSC Task Force decision‑making and policy formulation.
• Develop and apply weighted performance metrics and grading methodologies to assess SSC alignment with the National Defense Strategy (NDS), including support to the SSC Performance Metrics Development and SSC Rigor Assessment efforts.
• Conduct the SSC Degree‑Granting Cost‑Benefit Analysis, applying quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the costs and benefits of continued degree‑granting authority.
• Develop a Senior Service College (SSC) Fellowship Program grading metric using weighted quantitative and qualitative factors to evaluate fellowship program offerings.
• Analyze Fellowship Request for Program Information (RPI) data and site‑visit findings against Department selection criteria to support government assessment and decision‑making on SSC Fellowship designations.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data in support of the SSC Objectives Evaluation, Faculty Composition Analysis, Curriculum and Warfighting Readiness Assessment, and Governing Body Assessment.
• Propose parameters for a dashboard to track Individual Learning Records (ILR) and Career Education Records (CER) for military members, ensuring compatibility with military service personnel and manpower systems.
• Develop decision‑support tools, models, and analytic products to assist DASW(SR) and OUSW(P&R) leadership with program evaluation, review, and implementation decisions.
• Support the review and revision of Outcomes Based Military Education (OBME) Policy and Procedures and DoDI 1322.35, providing quantitative analysis to inform policy recommendations.
• Prepare data‑driven inputs for annual reports (including the NDAA 557 Report), GAO report responses, stakeholder reports, and leadership reports to OUSW(P&R), SECWAR, and Congress.
• Support Warfighter Education Coordination Council (WECC) and Military Education Coordination Council (MECC) engagements with analytic products, briefing materials, and summaries of findings.

Requirements

• Active Secret DoD (DoW) Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related quantitative field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in operations research, quantitative/statistical analysis, or data‑driven program evaluation, including experience supporting government or military leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to perform all functional duties independently on high‑visibility or mission‑critical program aspects.
• Ability to work responsibly and independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and data‑visualization skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Proficiency with MS Office (including Excel), SharePoint, and standard data analysis tools.
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Desired Skills

• Master’s degree in a related quantitative field.
• Experience supporting OUSW(P&R), DASW(SR), the Joint Staff, or other senior DoD leadership.
• Experience developing dashboards or decision‑support systems for personnel/manpower data.
• Familiarity with DoDI 1322.35, Outcomes Based Military Education (OBME) requirements, and NDAA Title 10 education provisions.
• Experience with statistical/analytical software such as Excel modeling, Tableau, Power BI, R, or similar.
• Experience supporting the military, Veterans Administration, or prior military service.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this role is $120,000 – $160,000. Final offers consider location, qualifications, experience, and skills.

Benefits

• Performance bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan (Traditional and Roth)
• Life insurance (basic, voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid time off plus 11 federal holidays
• Parental leave
• Commuter benefits
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage
• Training & development programs
• Wellness program
• Community outreach initiatives