Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Systems 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.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an upcoming need for an Operations Research Analyst to provide onsite support out of Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated professional interested in providing technical, data-driven support combined with strategy-informed operations research analysis. The candidate will apply a passion for solving challenging, unstructured, and time-critical problems in both leadership and supporting roles. The candidate will participate in analyses, assessments, and workshops that integrate technical, operational, and programmatic aspects across various elements of the DoW. The individual will support cross-functional, high-performance teams conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, including wargaming, to inform decision makers at the highest levels of the government, including the Secretary of War, Congress, and the White House. Candidates can expect to manage multiple tasks concurrently, often with constrained timelines. Tasks may be aligned to the individual's expertise and interests but will often require individuals to rapidly learn and apply new knowledge and skills. Successful candidates will quickly be rewarded with leadership opportunities and direct engagement with external clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree and 4+ years of experience in qualitative and/or quantitative analysis supporting DoW or other relevant stakeholders
• Experience analyzing the impacts of technology on future warfighting scenarios
• Experience developing concise, well-written analytic products to inform decision making and presenting analytic results
• Active DoW Secret clearance
• Ability to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:

• Master's degree in Operations Research, Engineering, National Security Studies, or similar field
• 7+ years of experience
• Active DoW TS/SCI clearance
• Demonstrated experience in the following areas:
• Analyzing ally and partner capabilities
• Conducting and leading Operations Research Analysis and/or wargames at the campaign, mission, or engagement level in support of DoW customers and/or military operations
• Applying intelligence data on near-peer adversary capabilities to support operational planning, analysis, or training
• Assessing the operational impact of planned or conceptual weapon systems
• Working on headquarters staff within OSW, Joint Staff, or the Services
• Participating in DoW Requirements, Acquisition, or Science and Technology Development Processes
• Developing warfighting scenarios to support analysis

At 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. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $110k – $140k