Operations Research Analyst-Global Shaping Division

Operations Research Analyst – Global Shaping Division

JOA#: GS 2026-1515-119 (GSD)

Department: Department of War (DOW) Agency: Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) Hiring Organization: Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) Open Period: 7/2/2026 – 7/9/2026 Salary Range: $121,785 – $197,200 Series & Appointment Type: 1515 Operations Research, Permanent – Schedule B Excepted Service Work Schedule: Full Time Clearance Requirements: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Citizenship Requirement: Open to all US Citizens Summary: CAPE is hiring and lets you have a huge impact on the Department of War! We provide objective, analysis-based advice directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War on everything that DOW does with an enormous level of impact on the US budget and national security. This job announcement is for a position in our Global Shaping Division (GSD). GSD focuses on logistics and sustainment, intra-theater mobility, inter-theater mobility, irregular warfare, special operations, autonomous systems, counter-drone, and burden sharing programs. The division explores a range of potential futures and key variables to ensure DoW’s limited resources support feasible and affordable future concepts and plans. Duties and Responsibilities: Lead 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. Conduct studies and assess efforts within the division portfolios: logistics and sustainment, intra-theater mobility, inter-theater mobility, irregular warfare, special operations, autonomous systems, counter-drone, and burden sharing programs. Analyses include assessments of technological and acquisition risk associated with developing and fielding capabilities. Analyses also include force structure assessments and determinations of the budgetary feasibility of program proposals. Apply a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission focused policy, methodological, and/or administrative problems in a fast-paced environment. Generate and present the findings of analyses to senior leaders and nontechnical audiences, clearly and concisely. Ensure analytic techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified and execute analyses per approved/valid/appropriate methodologies. Conduct analysis in a programming or statistical software suite such as R, Python, Excel, AI/ML techniques, MATLAB, ArcGIS (specific requirements may vary). Build ad-hoc analytic teams to leverage expertise from across the Department. Perform independently and within a team setting. For consideration as a GS 13, 14 or 15, expected to be a subject matter expert advising senior leaders on methodological or analytical issues. 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. Desired Skills: 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 logistics and sustainment, intra-theater mobility, inter-theater mobility, irregular warfare, special operations, autonomous systems, counter-drone, or burden sharing programs, including their contribution to successful accomplishment of critical DoW missions. Ability to assess related force structure. Ability to create and innovate new concepts, analysis, and alternatives to improve GSD portfolios. US 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 DoD planning documents (National Defense Strategy, Defense Planning Guidance, etc.), evaluate impact on manpower, defense-wide, or medical 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. Demonstrate 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: 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr CAPE - Department of Defense