Operations Research Analyst • Strategic Defense and Science/Technology Division (SDSD) JOA#: GS 2026-1515-125 (SDSD)
Department: Department of War (DOW)
Agency: Office of the Secretary of War (OSW)
Hiring Organization: Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)
Open Period: 10/15/2026 • 11/05/2026
Pay Scale & Grade: GS-12/13/14/15
Salary Range: $102,415- $197,200
Series & Appointment Type: 1515 Operations Research, Permanent - Schedule B Excepted Service
Location: Pentagon, Arlington, VA
Work Schedule: Full Time
Clearance Requirements: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI
Citizenship Requirement: Open to all US Citizens
Relocation expenses reimbursed: No
Duties and Responsibilities :
Conducting studies and assessing the efforts within the division portfolios: strategic forces, including conventional long-range strike and nuclear forces; homeland and missile defense; and science & technology and innovation. Analyses include assessments of the technological and acquisition risk associated with developing and fielding capabilities.
Applying a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission focused policy, methodological, and/or administrative problems in a fast-paced environment.
Ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified. Executes analysis per approved/valid/appropriate methodologies.
Conducting analysis in a programming or statistical software suite such as R, Python, Excel, AI/ML techniques, MATLAB, ArcGIS (specific requirements may vary).
Generating and presenting the findings of analytical products to senior leaders and nontechnical audiences, clearly and concisely.
Performing independently and within a team setting.
Leading a Program Review team to consider changes to Defense Components' Program Objective Memoranda to ensure compliance with DOW guidance or to better align programs with the defense strategy.
For consideration as a GS 12, 13, 14 or 15, expected to be a subject matter expert and advise senior leaders on methodological or analytical issues.
Qualifications :
Basic Requirements :
A degree in operations research from an accredited college/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 have been in calculus.
Required Skills: Your experience must be relevant. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
Quantitative Analytics: Mastery of mathematical reasoning that involves designing, developing, and applying operations research, mathematical, statistical, and/or other scientific research methods. Demonstrated experience in using quantitative analytics to solve complex problems with innovative solutions sufficient to receive recognition as an authority in a particular subject. Includes ability to develop new methodologies and/or theories where current approaches are obsolete or do not support evolving directions and strategies.
Enterprise Programs: Knowledge of DOW nuclear enterprise, science and technology, communications, homeland defense, missile defense programs, space programs, hypersonics , chemical or biological defense, including their contribution to successful accomplishment of critical DOW mission sets. Ability to create and innovate new concepts, analysis and alternatives to improve the SDSD portfolios. Experience in DOW laboratories is desired.
U.S. Defense Policies and Programs . Thorough knowledge of U.S. defense policies and programs, allied military capabilities, and projected threats to U.S. interests. Ability to review DoW planning documents (National Defense Strategy, Defense Planning Guidance, etc.), evaluate impact on defense-wide or service programs, and prepare comments and fact-based recommendations for changes or improvements.
Building Coalitions: Ability to work with and collaborate with individuals across a broad spectrum of internal and external organizational representatives. Demonstrated ability to independently work across organizations, successfully navigate a complex bureaucracy, to share and obtain information, and to influence outcomes. Must have the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
Communication: Ability to translate complex concepts, findings, and limitations into concise, plain language through varied types of written communication to include emails, memos, PowerPoint briefs, white papers, and full reports. Oral communications may include formal presentations or briefings in front of large groups of senior officials and could occur with little to no forewarning and may require communicating on matters with opposing views. Must be able to explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and to negotiate.
Specialized Experience : You must have at least one year (equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week) of demonstrating the duties and competencies for each GS level to qualify:
- GS-12 Qualifications: Under guidance of senior analysts, applying a range of analytical, mathematical, and/or statistical theories, principles, and practices to plan, coordinate, and execute segments of complex studies to support quantitative analytics; having the ability to communicate effectively and build coalitions OR Ph.D. or equivalent Doctoral Degree with 1 year specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
- GS-13 Qualifications: Experience in extracting and organizing raw program and/or cost data under general direction from a supervisor or senior analyst, conducting basic mathematical analysis of program information, and assisting in the collection, developmental and implementation of program and/or cost related information. Effectively communicating with senior officials, internal and external colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.
- GS-14 Qualifications: Broad range of operations research analysis assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of quantitative analytic techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies. Utilizes scientific inquiry, independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate, interpret, and analyze program and/or cost data.
- GS-15 Qualifications: Leading teams in a teaming environment, performing complex statistical analyses; evaluating large and complex military programs using quantitative analytic techniques; performing complex analyses in the absence of defined goals and outcomes, providing expert consultation and technical expertise to agency senior leaders on studies and analysis, and effectively communicating with senior officials, internal and external colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.
[PC1] Volunteer Work Experiences : You can also receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Volunteer work refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Background Checks and Security Clearance You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance. For more information regarding security clearances click here .
How to Apply: Required Documents: 1. Resume: a. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, BE CLEAR, SPECIFIC AND DETAILED. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
b. You must include name, address, contact information and the hours worked per week and the dates of employment/volunteer experience (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 2,087 hours or 52-weeks of 40 hours/week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". For additional information see: How do I write a resume for a federal job
c. Do not include any photos and Personally Identifiable Information (i.e., Social Security Number, Birthdate) on your resume.
d. Resume must be limited to 2 pages and a minimum size 10 font. Please save your resume as a PDF file to preserve the 2-page length.
2. Transcripts : Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications requirements. Copies of a diploma alone are not sufficient.
a. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program.
3. Veterans Preference: veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
4. SF-50 : Your latest SF-50 (if applicable) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied. Remove all Personally Identifiable Information (Social Security Number and Birthdate).
a. If you receive an updated SF-50 after initially applying, please provide the updated document to CAPE to be added to your application.
b. If you've had a break in service • please provide your original appointment SF50 in addition to your resignation SF50. If you do not have your latest documents, you can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center to obtain them • see guidance here: https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/civilian-non-archival
5. Military Spouse Preference Eligibility documentation (if applicable). For Priority Placement Program, you must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP, such as PCS orders/verification of duty location assignment and a copy of marriage certificate or license. For eligibility under Executive Order 13473, acceptable documentation includes: verification of marriage to the servicemember, verification of member's 100 percent disability or verification of member's death while on active duty.
6. Free Response Essay Questions: Optional section to demonstrate your commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passion about the ideals of our American republic, and commitment to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. You will not be scored against your responses for this section.
Please visit the CAPE Careers website for more information on CAPE, our benefits and more.
How You Will Be Evaluated: Subject matter experts will evaluate your qualifications before any referral. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application will be assessed in a multi-hurdle process that ends in a ranking and referral.
Resume Review (First Hurdle) : Subject matter experts will review your resume to determine qualifications based on the required competencies identified above.
Qualifying Structured Interviews (Second Hurdle) : If the subject matter experts determine that your resume reflects the required competencies, you will have a panel interview (virtual or by phone) to assess your experience against those competencies. The interview may include in-depth questions or an exercise or case study to measure your depth of knowledge.
Ranking and Preference : Qualified candidates receive a score between 70 and 100, before any points for veterans• preference. Your answers are verified against the information in your application and by reference checks. Preference is applied to applicants who move forward after the qualifying interviews.
Selection Process : Hiring managers receive a certificate listing the qualified candidates eligible for selection. If you are not selected for this position, you may be considered for similar positions for up to six months from the certificate date, and the certificate may be shared with other CAPE hiring managers. If you are selected for an interview, you may be asked to give a presentation, analyze a case study, or take part in several rounds of interviews.
Agency contact information: Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)
