Functional Analyst

ThinkTek•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

ThinkTek is seeking a skilled Functional Analyst to support Joint Data and Analytic Support – Intelligence Analysis & Data Support Services for Strategic Analysis, Future Force Planning, and Joint Capability Development. The successful candidate will apply analytical, operational, and quantitative methods to support defense resource allocation, force development, intelligence analysis, and program evaluation efforts. This role combines functional analysis, operations research, data analytics, and decision-support capabilities within complex national security environments. The Functional Analyst will provide analytical support to Department of Defense stakeholders by conducting research, evaluating data, executing computational and optimization models, and developing actionable recommendations that inform strategic decisions. This position requires the ability to bridge operational, intelligence, and analytical disciplines while effectively communicating findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
Bachelor's degree
Minimum of 4 years of experience in at least one of the following areas: Military or operations research-related field (e.g., U.S. military operations, munitions, readiness, deployment planning, or operational analysis across air, space, ground, special operations, and maritime domains).
Minimum of 4 years of experience in Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE).
Minimum of 4 years of experience in Force and capability development.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in Intelligence and collection analysis.
Experience performing functional analysis, operations research, quantitative analysis, computational modeling, intelligence analysis, data science, or related analytical functions.
Proficiency in Structured Query Language (SQL) to manage and query logistics and force inventories, personnel readiness databases, and intelligence reports.
Familiarity with optimization concepts and mathematical modeling, including the ability to execute models, interpret outputs, and adjust parameters.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to transform complex technical findings into actionable recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related STEM field.
Experience with GAMS or similar optimization platforms such as CPLEX, Gurobi, AMPL, or Pyomo.
Familiarity with Joint Staff processes, DoW force planning, capability development frameworks, intelligence analysis methodologies, or defense resource allocation processes.
Experience supporting senior government leaders through analytical studies, decision support, or strategic planning efforts.

Responsibilities

Conduct functional and quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and data validation to support strategic portfolio reviews, force planning initiatives, intelligence assessments, and program evaluations.
Support strategic analysis efforts related to future force development, capability assessments, readiness evaluations, and resource allocation decisions.
Execute, interpret, and support optimization models using GAMS and similar tools to inform evidence-based decision-making across defense and intelligence missions.
Manipulate model parameters to refine outputs, explore solution spaces, and evaluate sensitivity to key assumptions and operational variables.
Analyze military, intelligence, operational, and resource allocation data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and decision points.
Develop dashboards, visualizations, analytical products, and briefing materials that effectively communicate findings to government stakeholders and senior decision-makers.
Optimize data pipelines, analytical workflows, and data models to improve integrity, performance, and analytical efficiency.
Support Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities through data-driven analysis and recommendations.
Contribute to force structure assessments, capability development initiatives, and joint planning efforts.
Collaborate with subject matter experts, operational planners, intelligence analysts, modeling teams, and government clients to validate assumptions and refine analytical approaches.
Prepare technical reports, briefings, white papers, and recommendations that translate complex analytical findings into actionable insights.
Support Joint Capability Development, Strategic Analysis, and Future Force Planning activities in accordance with contract requirements and government standards.