Operations Research Analyst (EMAD Economist)

Operations Research Analyst (EMAD Economist) Job ID: GS 2026-1515-117 Department: Department of War (DOW) Agency: Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) Hiring Organization: Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Open Period: 6/23/2026 to 7/7/2026 Salary Range: $102,415 to $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 Promotion Potential: 15 Summary: The Office of the Secretary of War Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (OSW CAPE) seeks an Economist to develop objective policy analysis and advice directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War. The role offers an impact on the United States budget and national security. Duties and Responsibilities: Designing and/or conducting studies and analyses of Defense programs related to the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and military supply chains, and possibly the Military Health System, civilian and military manpower, and defense-wide programs. Supporting or leading a Program Review team to consider changes to a Defense Component’s Program Objective Memoranda to ensure compliance with DoW guidance or to better align a program with the defense strategy. Analyzing the capability and capacity of the U.S. industrial base and defense industrial base. Applying a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission-focused policy, methodological, administrative, and/or operational problems in a fast-paced environment. Presenting findings of analytical products to senior leaders and non-technical audiences, clearly and concisely. Ensuring the analytical techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified and executing analysis per approved methodologies. Conducting analysis using programming or statistical software suites such as Python, R, SAS, or STATA, Excel, AI/ML techniques, MATLAB, or ArcGIS. Serving as a subject matter expert advising senior leaders on methodological or analytical issues and economic features of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Qualifications Basic Requirements: A degree in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or related courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must also meet the qualification requirements listed below. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Economic or Defense Analysis: Understanding of economic research/analysis methods or defense analysis, particularly in microeconomics, macroeconomics, defense economics, industrial economics, or labor economics. Preference for experience in industrial organization (IO) economics, macroeconomic econometrics, supply chain economics, or the defense industrial base. Quantitative Analytics: Mastery of mathematical reasoning that involves designing, developing, and applying operations research, mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific research methods. Demonstrated experience in using quantitative analytics to solve complex problems. Preference for experience employing AI in problem solving. Building Coalitions: Ability to work with and collaborate across a broad spectrum of internal and external representatives, navigate bureaucracy, share information, and influence outcomes. Communication: Ability to translate complex concepts, findings, and limitations into concise, plain language through written communication (emails, memos, PowerPoint briefs, white papers, reports). Oral communication in front of senior officials, advocating and expressing facts effectively, negotiating internally and externally. Specialized Experience: GS-12: Under guidance of senior analysts, applying analytical, mathematical, and/or statistical theories to support quantitative analytics; ability to communicate effectively and build coalitions or Ph.D./Doctoral Degree. GS-13: Experience extracting and organizing raw program and/or cost data under general direction, conducting basic analysis of program information, and assisting in data collection, development, and implementation of program and cost information. GS-14: Broad range of operations research analysis assignments, creative use of quantitative analytic techniques, advanced approaches, or new technologies. Independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate program or cost data. GS-15: Leading teams, performing complex statistical analyses; evaluating large, complex military programs using quantitative analytic techniques; providing expert consultation and technical expertise to agency senior leaders. Volunteer Work Experiences: Volunteer experience qualifies for credit. Provide clear duties, responsibilities, hours per week, and total hours. Background Checks and Security Clearance: You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, or military service. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees and job applicants. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr CAPE - Department of Defense