OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST - DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Senior Air Force (AF) Operations Research Analyst and to provide expertise in initiating, applying, and planning major developmental studies, and providing expert guidance and advice to Air Force headquarters staff, major command (MAJCOM) activities, and/or other agencies.

Duties

Employs scientific and analytical techniques to define, quantify, and evaluate the feasibility of assigned projects, studies or problems. Reviews and evaluates study projects, proposals, and/or reports for adequacy of methodology, including the use or development of computerized models, ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified. Serves as a consultant and Air Force level technical expert to senior subject matter specialists and/or agency officials responsible for broad program operations. Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: DEGREE: A 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. NOTE: You must submit transcripts. 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. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-03, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-13 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is professional knowledge of a wide range of complex principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures. Knowledge, skills, and ability in the application of operations research analysis, and related disciplines, to the identification, assessment and deployment of advance information technologies and new strategies in advancing and promoting analytics-aided decision making. Ability and experience in managing staff, multi-disciplinary technical teams, and resources, as well as in directing program development and execution to support both long-term strategic and near-term goals and objectives. Knowledge of mathematics and analysis to perform complete studies of limited scope or work as a team member on specific problems of a major study, and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate recommendations/conclusions clearly. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 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. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate holds a master's degree or higher in Operations Research or a related field, such as statistics, mathematics, or industrial engineering. Has demonstrated supervisory, team-lead, or study-lead experience and can lead digital teams, assess performance, and deliver projects within established schedule and resource constraints. Has experience applying rigorous scientific and analytical methods to define, evaluate, and resolve tactical-to-strategic problems, including validating study methodologies, proposals, reports, and computerized models. The candidate has experience communicating complex technical information clearly and concisely to senior leaders with varied technical backgrounds. Remains current on operations research, data science, and Department of the Air Force analytic capabilities, including data platforms, visualization tools, artificial intelligence, robotic process automation, metadata tagging, and data cataloging. Has a understanding of data security, governance, and stewardship principles and can transform acquisition data into actionable information that supports AI-enabled analysis, visualization, informed decision-making, and process efficiencies. Candidate has developed and managed digital strategies, infrastructure, and tools-including AI agents, machine-learning capabilities, dashboards, and automated workflows-and has led adoption through technology scanning, training, briefings, and change management. Has advised leadership, assessed the maturity and applicability of digital resources, analyzed contract data, and maintained accessible, transparent data tools for the acquisition workforce. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accre