Operations Research Analyst (Product Manager)

Summary

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Human Resources Management, Strategic Transformation Management Division, in the following locations: Indianapolis, IN Minneapolis, MN Washington, D.C. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Duties

In this position you will serve as an Operations Research Analyst supporting CBP Human Resources Management strategic transformation initiatives through quantitative analysis, performance management, investment prioritization, and resource allocation for HR technology. Provides technical expertise and actionable recommendations to strengthen governance, improve business processes, and inform executive decision-making. This position starts at a salary of $125,776.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $163,514.00 (GS-14, Step 10) GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts. Salary: Salary listed reflects the rest of U.S. scale and, if applicable, will be adjusted to meet the locality pay or cost of living expenses of the duty location upon selection. Major Duties: Leading advanced operations research analyses to inform strategic planning and critical investment prioritization within the Human Resources (HR) technology portfolio. Developing and refining sophisticated mathematical models, scoring methodologies, and trade-off analyses to evaluate technological initiatives, system enhancements, and competing investment options. Provide authoritative analytical leadership and technical guidance to government and contractor personnel, ensuring all methodologies adhere to federal guidelines and best practices. Design and oversee the implementation of comprehensive performance measurement frameworks and dashboards to monitor key indicators such as processing efficiency, system reliability, and service quality. Prepare and present compelling, data-driven briefings to senior leadership to support evidence-based decision-making regarding resource allocation and portfolio management. CBP employees demonstrate the highest level of commitment to protect and serve the United States of America and to exemplify the CBP Core Values of Vigilance, Service to Country and Integrity. Learn more about CBP's mission, core values and careers at https://www.cbp.gov/about

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Education: 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. You qualify for this position if you meet one of the basic requirements, as described above and one year of specialized experience listed below. Experience GS-14: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Applying advanced operations research theories, principles, and methodologies-including statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimization-to solve complex organizational problems. Using advanced analytical tools and business intelligence platforms such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, to design, develop, and maintain complex analytical models and performance measurement frameworks. Leading the integration and analysis of requirements, business processes, and operational workflows across multiple technology products or systems. Conducting risk identification, probability and impact assessments, and developing proactive mitigation strategies for major technological initiatives. Communicating highly complex analytical results and strategic recommendations to senior management or diverse stakeholders to influence decision-making and gain consensus. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 10/30/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never