Operations Research Analyst

Air Force Elements, U.S. Special Operations Command • MacDill AFB, FL

7d

About The Position

The Operations Research Analyst plans and directs comprehensive studies and assessments of current and projected manned and unmanned fixed-wing weapon systems, including mobility, firepower, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The position serves as a senior analyst conducting independent cost and capability analyses of existing and conceptual manned and unmanned fixed-wing platforms to support USSOCOM acquisition, strategy, programming, and resourcing decisions, as well as future development efforts.

The analyst conducts studies involving Special Operations aviation assets and capabilities, material systems, exercise support, and modeling and simulation. The role evaluates aviation programs, requirements, and proposals from other Department of Defense activities and industry for applicability to the USSOCOM mission. It also interfaces with representatives from other DoD commands and agencies, the Joint Staff, Service Laboratories, and USSOCOM components.

This is an obligated term position through March 31, 2029. It is a Financial Management Level 3 Certified position and requires compliance with the certification program. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance and is subject to the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Work may involve travel and temporary duty at military installations and government or contractor facilities, working around aircraft, ships, and other weapons platforms, and field duty observing equipment testing and evaluation.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• A degree in operations research, or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or relevant subject-matter courses requiring substantial college-level mathematics or statistics competence; at least 3 of the 24 semester hours must be in calculus.
• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, GS-13, or equivalent, applying operations research expertise and research methods to SOF aviation studies.
• For merit promotion applicants, one year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirement for GS-14; TIG applies to current or recent GS employees as specified in the posting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance.
• Must maintain current certifications and comply with Financial Management Level 3 certification requirements.
• Must comply with the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program requirements, including refraining from illegal drug use and submitting to urinalysis testing if requested.
• Knowledge of manned and unmanned fixed-wing weapons-system operations research analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods for developing, adapting, modifying, and applying models to resolve problems or clarify alternatives.
• Skill in negotiating and defending findings and program support concepts.
• Ability to lead study teams, originate ideas and methodologies, and execute studies within financial and time constraints.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, negotiate complex issues, and maintain good working relationships.
• Knowledge of regulations, legislation, statutes, policies, and directives applicable to military programming and acquisition.
• Work may require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft and TDY of varying duration.
• Must be able to work around aircraft, ships, and other weapons platforms; field duty may be required to observe equipment testing and evaluation.
• Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degrees are preferred.
• A bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline such as mathematics, computer science, a physical science, or engineering is identified in the employment conditions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct comprehensive studies and assessments of current and projected manned and unmanned fixed-wing weapon systems.
• Conduct independent cost and capability analyses of existing and conceptual manned and unmanned fixed-wing platforms to support USSOCOM acquisition, strategy, programming, and resourcing decisions.
• Support future development efforts related to manned and unmanned fixed-wing platforms.
• Conduct studies involving Special Operations aviation assets and capabilities, material systems, exercise support, and modeling and simulation.
• Evaluate aviation programs, requirements, and proposals from other DoD activities and industry for applicability to the USSOCOM mission.
• Interface with representatives from DoD commands and agencies, the Joint Staff, Service Laboratories, and USSOCOM components.
• Lead study teams, develop new ideas, projects, and methodologies, and execute projects or studies within financial and time constraints.
• Develop and use data collection techniques, models, and simulation techniques.
• Conduct program analysis and reviews to evaluate program effectiveness, utility, and alignment with the SOF vision.
• Negotiate or defend findings and program support concepts.

Benefits

• PCS relocation may be paid if authorized.
• A recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• A relocation incentive may be authorized.
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request.
• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior