Operations Research Analyst

CAPE•Washington, DC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Research Analyst serves in the Space and Strategic Systems Cost Analysis Division (SSSCAD) within the Department of War’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE). The division develops cost estimates for major acquisition programs in the space and strategic systems portfolio, including space vehicles and ground control systems, launch capabilities, nuclear weapons, bombers, missile defense systems, long-range fires, and emerging technologies. CAPE prepares or approves independent cost estimates and cost analyses for major defense acquisition programs and subprograms, including analyses supporting program certifications after Nunn-McCurdy breaches. These independent estimates help Department leadership make acquisition decisions and allocate resources through planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes. The analyst develops or reviews independent cost estimates, supports acquisition milestone decisions and program reviews, analyzes alternatives and resourcing options, evaluates contractor pricing and cost data, and conducts research into the effects of policies and strategic choices on program cost, schedule, and performance. The role also involves presenting analytical findings to senior leaders and non-technical audiences, working independently or as a senior analyst on a team, and collaborating across organizational boundaries. The position is full-time and permanent, located at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, with occasional travel. The selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Requirements

Degree in operations research from an accredited college or university, or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics; at least 3 of the 24 semester hours must be in calculus.
At least one year of specialized experience at the applicable GS level: GS-14 experience performing a broad range of operations research analyses involving unique problems, creativity, innovative quantitative techniques, advanced approaches, or new technologies; GS-15 experience leading complex statistical analyses, evaluating large and complex cost estimates and lifecycle costs, evaluating complex military programs, and providing expert technical consultation to senior leaders.
Mastery of mathematical reasoning and experience designing, developing, and applying operations research, mathematical, statistical, economic, or other scientific research methods to complex problems.
Demonstrated quantitative-analytics experience sufficient to be recognized as an authority in a subject area, including developing cost estimates with regression-based relationships and learning-curve equations.
Thorough knowledge of cost-estimating methods for development, production, and operating and support costs for major defense acquisition programs or other major programs.
Understanding of cost-estimating law and policy, including congressional cost-analysis requirements, CAPE guidance and procedures, and source-selection procedures.
Knowledge of contractor and government cost-reporting requirements, Earned Value Management, and contractor pricing systems and rates.
Experience evaluating technical and program characteristics that drive cost estimates for military weapon systems or other significant national-security systems.
Knowledge of Department of War weapon-system acquisition and contracting processes, acquisition timelines, strategies, and contracting options.
Thorough knowledge of the Department of War planning, programming, budgeting, and execution system or a similar resource-allocation process, and understanding of how defense strategy is aligned with resources.
Familiarity with procedures that support decision-makers through independent, objective, fact-based analyses.
Ability to collaborate with internal and external organizational representatives, work across organizations, navigate complex bureaucracy, build a broad professional network, and recognize relevant organizational politics.
Ability to communicate complex concepts, findings, and limitations clearly and concisely in writing, including emails, memos, presentations, white papers, and reports.
Ability to deliver oral presentations or briefings to senior officials, including on short notice and on matters involving opposing views; explain and advocate facts and ideas persuasively and negotiate internally and externally.
Ability to communicate effectively with senior officials, colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Develop or review independent cost estimates for major Department of War programs at acquisition milestones or decision points across applicable acquisition pathways.
Prepare cost analyses to support Department of War certification of programs following critical Nunn-McCurdy breaches.
Provide cost-estimating support for resourcing alternatives during the annual Program Budget Review process.
Support CAPE evaluations of military department and component Analysis of Alternatives for new weapon-system or national-security-system capabilities.
Analyze contractors’ forward pricing rates using historical trends and projections of contractor business bases.
Prepare or support special studies and reports directed by Congress or senior Department of War leadership.
Present analytical findings verbally and in writing to senior leaders and non-technical audiences.
Work independently and/or serve as a senior analyst in a team setting.
Review and recommend approval of cost data reporting plans and ensure reporting complies with those plans.
Conduct independent research on relationships between Department of War regulations, policies, strategic choices, and acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance outcomes.
Develop cost estimates using regression-based cost-estimating relationships and learning-curve equations, and develop new methodologies when existing approaches are obsolete or inadequate.
Evaluate technical and program characteristics that drive cost estimates for military weapon systems or other national-security systems.
Collaborate across internal and external organizations to share and obtain information and influence outcomes.