OPS Analyst

Computational Physics • Washington, DC

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is seeking a Full-Time Operations Analyst to support our customers at USNO DC. CPI supports the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) Operations Center in Washington, D.C., which is USNO's single secure location for executing and monitoring the automated generation of the Navy's key operational timing and astrometric products. USNO determines and disseminates precise time and time interval (PTTI), Earth orientation parameters (EOP), and precise positions of celestial bodies for the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and the public. These products are critical for navigation, platform orientation, communications, intelligence, command and control, mission planning, and electronic warfare systems. The Operations Analyst will be a member of the Operations Center watch team, reporting to a watch team lead. The primary responsibility is executing and monitoring the automated generation of USNO operational products and ensuring customer access to them.

Requirements

• BS from an ABET-accredited institution in physics, astronomy, geophysics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related physical science discipline.
• 3 years of relevant technical experience, to include: Monitoring, operating, or troubleshooting automated data acquisition, processing, or control systems in an operational (not purely research) environment
• Working from written standard operating procedures and applying judgment where guidance is incomplete or does not cleanly fit the situation
• Analyzing technical data to identify anomalies, and communicating findings clearly in writing and verbally
• Working knowledge of the mathematics and basic statistics underlying the physical sciences
• Watch floor, NOC, SOC, mission control, or other 24/7 operations center experience
• Familiarity with precise timing (PTTI), atomic clocks, GNSS, Earth orientation, or VLBI/radio astronomy data
• Linux system administration and monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, Grafana); scripting in Python, Bash, or Perl
• Experience with hardware inspection, rack-level equipment, and instrumentation
• Prior U.S. military operations, technician, or DoD contractor experience
• Active Secret clearance required at start; must be eligible for and willing to be processed for Top Secret / SCI.
• U.S. citizenship is required for DoD contracts.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with precise timing (PTTI), atomic clocks, GNSS, Earth orientation, or VLBI/radio astronomy data
• Linux system administration and monitoring tools (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, Grafana); scripting in Python, Bash, or Perl
• Experience with hardware inspection, rack-level equipment, and instrumentation
• Prior U.S. military operations, technician, or DoD contractor experience

Responsibilities

• Direct and remote inspection of hardware and monitoring the health status of automated data acquisition and reduction systems supporting Master Clock time determination and dissemination, EOP solutions, and VLBI data transfer and correlation
• Recognizing anomalous conditions and distinguishing between unusual-but-acceptable behavior and situations requiring intervention, drawing on familiarity with multiple data sources and products
• Taking timely remedial action per SOPs, established procedures, or direction from subject matter experts when unexpected results or alarm conditions occur
• Interacting with data providers and product users - reporting product availability, responding to routine inquiries, and escalating alarm situations to the appropriate USNO personnel per SOP contact lists
• Coordinating with the watch team lead, supervisor, and USNO technical staff on system functionality, SOP effectiveness, and assignment planning

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• 401(k)
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development support including conference attendance and certification training

What This Job Offers

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