Lead Operations Research Analyst

The Air Force Civilian Service

$76K — $118K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, or engineering; advanced degrees preferred
  • 3 hours of calculus coursework required
  • Experience with operations research analysis techniques
  • Knowledge of quantitative methods and modeling practices
  • Strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
  • Top Secret security clearance eligibility with SCI access

Responsibilities

  • Join an elite 9-person analytics team to support national defense strategies
  • Build and adapt advanced simulation tools to forecast emerging threats
  • Influence budget priorities through data-driven decision-making
  • Lead diverse teams across military and civilian sectors
  • Employ quantitative techniques to analyze problems and inform strategies
  • Develop data collection techniques and models to resolve operational issues

Benefits

  • Recruitment/relocation incentives authorized
  • Opportunity to influence significant national-level defense decisions
  • Collaborative environment with a focus on innovative methodologies
  • Access to work on high-security projects and programs
  • Engagement in strategic planning for future defense initiatives
Full Job Description
Full-Time Lead Operations Research Analyst (NH 1515-03) to work for USSTRATCOM/J8 on Offutt AFB, in Bellevue, NE Recruitment/relocation incentives may be authorized. SALARY RANGE: $76,463 - $118,204 without locality. "If your current basic salary is within the band, but above the stated Value of Position "VOP", your basic salary will not be reduced if you are selected for the position." Must have a bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline such as mathematics, computer science, one of the physical sciences, or engineering. Advanced degree(s) are preferred. (must have 3 hours calculus) Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. (NOTE: Typically, the 1-year probationary period is for Competitive Jobs, and 2-year trail period is for Excepted Jobs.) This position can close at any time. Apply Now! RESUME is MAX 2 pages. Qualifications/Requirements: The incumbent will join our elite 9-person analytics team driving Department of War (DoW) decisions. We use data, modeling, and simulation to design the future force and shape strategic decisions for national-level defense studies. You will build advanced simulation tools, forecast emerging threats, and influence massive budget priorities (PPBE/IPL). SKILLS DESIRED: Modeling: Build and adapt models to analyze problems. Statistics: Use probability and hypothesis testing to interpret data. Data Analysis: Extract trends, inform decisions. Quantitative Techniques: Apply methods, evaluate problems and calculate risk. U.S. Citizenship is required. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance. Employee needs to obtain and maintain approval to access the portfolio of Special Access Programs required to perform daily duties. This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing. Education requirements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ Transcripts must be included. Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts. Ability to lead diverse study teams of military, civilian, and contract personnel encompassing a wide variety of disciplines; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments. May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications. Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional supporting documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/ To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates." Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal work age.

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