Operations Research Analyst

Summary

This position is location in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), within System Operations Services (AJR) in the Performance Analysis Directorate (AJR-G)

Duties

The Operations Research Analyst performs multiple, varying, and complex assignments under the limited direction of a manager, project/program manager, team leader, or more experienced technical specialist. Performs assignments relating to designing, validating and testing, extensive researching, applying mathematical modeling, statistical data analytics and other optimizing methods to develop information that assists management with decision making. Performs compliance and enforcement actions and shared responsibility for project/program management. Acts as a contributing specialist on large work activities or as a team leader for single or small work activities. Applies experience and advanced technical knowledge in operations research, mathematical, statistical, econometric and scientific theories, principles, concepts, methods and techniques to accomplish assignments and develop plans and techniques to improve programs and policies. Uses mathematical and analytical methods to solve problems and issues using vast amounts of data. Analyzes data using probability and statistics to identify trends or relationships among variables. Evaluates data resulting from applying mathematical or statistical tools, models, methods, and techniques. Conducts quantitative and qualitative studies to generate statistical and mathematical data to assist in designing and improving National Airspace System (NAS). Performs statistical analysis, predictive modeling, simulations, or other methods to analyze information and develop, integrate and implement practical solutions to diverse, complex problems. Evaluates information and data to determine the root cause of the problem and develop solutions. The analyst compiles, categorizes, calculates, tabulates, audits or verifies data which contributes to the identification of recurring problems for aviation and aerospace industries including airline operations. Assists more experienced analyst to analyze and identify areas for improved efficiency of the operational performance of the NAS by designing, developing, adapting and applying data science methods, statistical models, fast-time simulation models, and other research methods. Uses statistical analysis software to test and analyze data. Validates and tests performance reporting tools, while working with operational data sources, such as Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM). Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments but allow considerable discretion to determine the appropriate method for data analysis or to recommend new methods. Define data requirements and gather and validate information. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Identifies and informs management of problems that require their attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations. Contacts are internal and external. May act as a key technical point of contact for assigned activities. Contributes to the preparation of management/technical reports or contractual documents and may communicate the overall results of a project or work activity to FAA management, the aviation and aerospace industries, and other external stakeholders. The work is reviewed periodically, typically at major milestones and at completion, for technical compliance and alignment with the requirements of the project or other work activity. Work activities typically support and are vital to the success of projects or activities of one or more organizational units within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the aviation industry.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-H, FG/GS-12 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized Experience includes: - Experience analyzing and evaluating data quality. - Experience assisting in validating and testing performance reporting tools. You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered. Answer all questions to the best of your ability. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD OR HAVE HELD THISPOSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FORUND ELIGIBLE. You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification. Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position. Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FAA. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page). Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration. Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered. Basic Requirements: 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. Evaluation of Education: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area. Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science. The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics;