Operations Research Analyst

The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Colorado Springs, CO is searching for well-qualified candidates to fill a Operations Research Analyst NH-1515-03 position. Come join our amazing team who helps ensure there is never a day without space!

There’s a reason Colorado Springs has ranked in the top 10 U.S. cities to live for the past several years. There is so much the Pikes Peak Region has to offer including beautiful mountain views, an abundance of recreational activities, good economic growth, top-rated schools, and lots of activities for families such as parks, museums, zoos, and more!

Position: Operations Research Analyst NH-1515-03

Location: USSPACECOM J81 Colorado Springs, CO

Suspense: Applications from interested candidates are due by COB 8 Nov 2024.

PCS Entitlements and/or Relocation/Recruitment and Leave Accrual Incentives: May be offered

Telework: Eligible, Situational

Description of Position: The NH-1515-03 Operations Research Analyst in the J812 Advanced Analytics Branch is responsible for performing studies and analyses supporting command leadership in the areas of capability development and resourcing.J812 is the center of excellence for modeling, simulation, and quantitative analysis at USPACECOM, and the Operations Research Analysts are the principals responsible for conducting this work, both individually, as part of study teams, and as oversight of contractor performance. J812 also manages the command’s Capability Analysis and Verification Environment (CAVE) Lab, a high-performance computing lab enabling rigorous analysis at all levels of classification. While the incumbent is expected to have experience and expertise across many areas within operations research, the primary specialization is in development, and managing the development of, emulators, prototypes, simulators, and stimulators utilized in predicting the behaviors of space systems and space activities, and the analysis of alternatives and results.

Position Duties/Responsibilities:

• Performs studies in varied subjects of advanced difficulty and complexity associated with Science and Technology (S&T) and/or modeling and simulation (M&S) solutions with Office of Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, Services, other CCMDs, Industry and Academia. Establishes assumptions, measures effectiveness of approaches, measures of performance, and evaluates available alternatives. Monitors progress of projects and provides technical guidance as required ensuring technically complete and accurate analyses. Evaluates impacts of new technologies on current architectures, systems, and policies. Conclusions and recommendations have a major impact on top-level management plans, decisions, and actions regarding requirements definition, planning, and acquisition of advanced concepts and new system capabilities. Defines problems and develops and coordinates study plans. Determines sources of data and sample sizes. Plans, designs, and conducts test(s) to obtain data. Compiles, organizes, and analyzes data.
• Utilizes scientific inquiry in the independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems. Serves as an expert on modeling and simulation techniques to assess S&T advanced concepts and support military utility. Utilizes mathematical and statistical techniques, elements of operations research theory, engineering knowledge and innovative efforts to develop new solutions to previously highlighted and/or new problems, or problems which may be totally lacking in precedent. Initiates and formulates plans and carries out project(s) through extensive and specialized original performance analyses and evaluations. Responsible for the completeness, adequacy, and validity of assumptions. Evaluates alternative courses of action and makes recommendations based on sound scientific theory.
• Provides technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance on entire projects and/or major phases for broad and varied operations. Performs complex S&T studies/evaluations on an individual basis or as a team member/leader responsible for completing phases of an overall work effort. Provides guidance and assistance to lower-level analysts. Serves as a technical authority and consultant to other organizations, commands, and/or agencies. Promotes interchange of information on mission requirements, capabilities, deficiencies, and technology applications. Analyzes problems revealed by prior studies and advises higher officials of the feasibility of different approaches which provide a basis for action or the solution to a specific problem.
• Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts. Interfaces with headquarters and other technical/analytical agencies on advances in state-of-the-art technology. Represents the organization during visits with government and industry representatives. Coordinates the contributions of professionals and specialists, notes problems that arise, and resolves differences. Prepares and presents briefings and makes presentations on the study’s progress and results. Prepares technical reports and/or documents progress and results.
• Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency through professional interaction with technical and professional societies, associations, academia, symposia, contractors, research and development organizations, and participation in formal training programs. Keeps current on emerging technological and scientific techniques and research methods through independent study and reading/reviewing technical journals and current literature. Protects classified material. Demonstrates sound security practices for ensuring the safeguarding of classified information.

Key Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and mastery of a broad range of methods and techniques used in classical and modern advanced operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities.
• Knowledge of expert quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
• Ability to participate in study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
• Ability to recognize and use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate information in writing in a succinct and organized manner; and produce written information, including technical material, which is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and package the entire process into briefings, papers, and/or reports suitable for decision-making.
• Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.

Qualification Requirements:

• At least 1 year of experience at the next lower broadband/grade level (or equivalent) in performing a broad range of operations research techniques, ideally including modeling & simulation.
• Education Requirements for the Operations Research (1515) occupational series. Degree: in operations research; 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. Further information on the OPM website.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
• Position requires drug testing
• Occasional travel away from the regular duty location may be required.
• May be required to work irregular duty hours including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

The federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits to it's employees. Below is a brief overview:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Long Term Care Insurance (large variety of plan options available)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Vacation - New employees start out with 4 hours of annual leave per pay period (13 days/year); after 3 years it is 6 hours per pay period (19.5 days/year); after 15 years it is 8 hours per pay period (26 days/year).
• Sick Leave Accrual - In addition to annual leave, everyone accrues 4 hours of sick leave per pay period (13 days per year) for the entirety of their career.
• Federal Employee Retirement System
• Roth & Traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - similar to private sector 401(k). The govt matches the first 3% of your contributions dollar for dollar and the following 2% are matched at $0.50 to each dollar you contribute. Visit www.tsp.gov for more info