Operations Research Analyst

CAPE • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Research Analyst will work in the Strategic Defense and Science/Technology Division (SDSD) of the Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) organization, providing objective, analysis-based advice to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War. SDSD examines strategic and nuclear forces, homeland and missile defense, science and technology, and innovation, assessing potential futures and key variables to help ensure the Department’s resources support feasible and affordable concepts and plans.

The analyst conducts studies across these portfolios, including assessments of technological and acquisition risks associated with developing and fielding capabilities. The role applies appropriate analytical methods to mission-focused policy, methodological, or administrative problems; performs analysis using valid methodologies; and uses programming or statistical tools as applicable. The analyst presents findings clearly to senior leaders and nontechnical audiences, works independently and collaboratively, and may lead Program Review teams assessing changes to Defense Components’ Program Objective Memoranda. At GS-12 through GS-15, the role is expected to provide subject-matter expertise and advise senior leaders on analytical or methodological issues.

This is a permanent, full-time Schedule B Excepted Service position at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The position is open to U.S. citizens and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance. The salary range is $102,415 to $197,200. Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Requirements

• A degree in operations research from an accredited college or university, or at least 24 semester hours across operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial college-level mathematics or statistics competence; at least 3 of the 24 hours must be calculus.
• Mastery of mathematical reasoning involving the design, development, and application of operations research, mathematical, statistical, or other scientific research methods.
• Demonstrated experience using quantitative analytics to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, including developing new methodologies or theories when existing approaches are obsolete or inadequate.
• Knowledge of relevant Department of War enterprise programs, including nuclear, science and technology, communications, homeland defense, missile defense, space, hypersonics, and chemical or biological defense programs.
• Ability to create and innovate concepts, analyses, and alternatives to improve SDSD portfolios.
• Thorough knowledge of U.S. defense policies and programs, allied military capabilities, and projected threats to U.S. interests.
• Ability to review defense planning documents, assess their impact on defense-wide or service programs, and prepare fact-based recommendations for changes or improvements.
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external organizations, navigate a complex bureaucracy, obtain and share information, influence outcomes, and develop a broad professional network.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts, findings, and limitations in concise plain language in emails, memos, PowerPoint briefs, white papers, and reports.
• Ability to give formal presentations or briefings to senior officials, including on short notice and on matters involving opposing views; explain and advocate facts and ideas convincingly and negotiate.
• Ability to qualify at the selected GS level through at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower level, subject to the stated GS-level criteria.
• GS-12: Under senior analysts’ guidance, apply analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories and practices to plan, coordinate, and execute portions of complex studies; communicate effectively and build coalitions. Alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree plus one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
• GS-13: Extract and organize raw program or cost data under general direction, conduct basic mathematical analysis of program information, and assist in collecting, developing, and implementing program or cost information; communicate effectively with senior officials, colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• GS-14: Handle a broad range of operations research assignments involving unique problems, creativity, innovative quantitative methods, advanced approaches, or new technologies; independently develop mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate, interpret, and analyze program or cost data.
• GS-15: Lead teams, perform complex statistical analyses, evaluate large and complex military programs using quantitative techniques, analyze problems without defined goals or outcomes, provide expert consultation to senior leaders, and communicate effectively with senior officials and external stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Department of War laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Conduct studies and assess efforts within strategic forces, homeland and missile defense, and science and technology and innovation portfolios.
• Assess technological and acquisition risks associated with developing and fielding capabilities.
• Apply analytical approaches to mission-focused policy, methodological, and administrative problems.
• Select and apply valid and appropriate analytical techniques and methodologies.
• Conduct analysis using programming or statistical software such as R, Python, Excel, AI/ML techniques, MATLAB, or ArcGIS, as applicable.
• Generate and present analytical findings clearly and concisely to senior leaders and nontechnical audiences.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Lead Program Review teams considering changes to Defense Components’ Program Objective Memoranda to ensure compliance with Department guidance or improve alignment with defense strategy.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert and advise senior leaders on methodological or analytical issues.

What This Job Offers

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