Sr. Operational Analyst

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.SPAs NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. We have a near-term need for a Senior Operational Analyst to provide onsite support out of Norfolk, VA.ResponsibilitiesThe candidate will provide Operations Research and Analysis (OR&A) expertise in support of NATO Capability Development within Allied Command Transformation (ACT). Contribute to Course of Action analyses designed to mature NATO capability requirements and inform programmatic direction. Responsibilities include planning and conducting qualitative and quantitative research and assessments of operational effectiveness, performing cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit analyses, and evaluating the potential impact of individual and aggregated risks. Assess cost and schedule estimates to ensure sufficient quality, supporting evidence, and analytical rigor for capability development decisions. Collaborate with NATO and National research organizations, government entities, and industry to evaluate alternatives and their potential impact on operational effectiveness. Participate in workshops and engagements to support cost-estimation and analytical activities and will assist in developing Requests for Information (RFIs) and surveys for NATO Nations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and industry. Conduct and document comparative assessments of cost, risk, schedule, and operational effectiveness, identify potential risk-management approaches, and translate complex analytical findings into actionable information for program and capability decision-makers. Prepare decision briefs, presentations, and written analytical reports that clearly communicate methodologies, findings, rationale, and recommendations to senior stakeholders and decision-makers. This includes producing analytical evidence in support of Capability Program Plans for review with NATO Headquarters International Military Staff and International Staff, as well as developing lessons identified and lessons learned to support continuous improvement of NATO capability development and Operations Analysis competencies. The position may require travel to meetings, workshops, and conferences within and outside NATO boundaries for up to 60 days per year.QualificationsRequired: Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or an equivalent quantitative discipline; alternatively 5+ years of Operations Research/Operational Analysis experience conducting and leading analytical studies in a relevant military, strategic, political, or international environment. Minimum of two examples within the last 10 years, totaling at least 3 years of combined experience, in military Operations Research, Operational Analysis, or Data Science supporting policy development, capability development, or acquisition; candidates possessing a relevant Bachelor’s degree as listed above require only 2 years of experience within the last 5 years in these areas. Experience designing, leading, and facilitating structured stakeholder engagementsto elicit objectives, assumptions, measures, risks, preferences, and expert judgment in support of defense capability decisions involving technical and non-technical stakeholders across multiple levels of seniority. Experience within the last 5 years determining Operations Research/Operational Analysis requirements, scoping problems for study, developing analysis plans, and delivering high-quality analytical outputs that influence senior decision-makers.Experience developing data collection and analysis plans or assessment frameworks, including Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) and Measures of Performance (MOPs). Experience gathering evidence and assessing or scoring effectiveness through the application of Operations Research and Operational Analysis methods to defense-domain issues.Experience identifying, eliciting, assessing, analyzing, and communicating uncertainty and risk associated with capability/acquisition, project, program, or portfolio-level decisions.Experience producing or working with cost and schedule estimates, including associated estimating methodologies, methods, and processes.Experience working within a strategic or operational military command or multinational organization.Experience within the last 10 years supporting project, program, and/or portfolio decisions through analytical assessments in complex and dynamic program environments.Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.Active NATO or National Secret clearance.DesirableExperience using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support Operational Analysis (OA).Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $160,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-23451Category: Program & Project Management, Financial and Contract SupportSecurity Clearance Requirement: NATO Secret (NS)Type: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Mid-level