Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst Strategic Defense and ScienceTechnology Division SDSD JOA GS 2026 1515 125 SDSD Department Department of War DOW Agency Office of the Secretary of War OSW Hiring Organization Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation CAPE Open Period 10152026 11052026 Pay Scale & Grade GS 12131415 Salary Range 102415 197200 Series & Appointment Type 1515 Operations Research Permanent Schedule B Excepted Service Location Pentagon Arlington VA Work Schedule Full Time Clearance Requirements Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top SecretSCI Citizenship Requirement Open to all US Citizens Relocation expenses reimbursed No Summary You can have a huge impact on the Department of War working in CAPE We provide objective analysis based advice directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War on everything the department does If youre interested in making a difference in national security and want to be involved in shaping a critical piece of the US budget CAPE is one of the best places you can be This job announcement is for a position in our Strategic Defensive and Science and Technology Division SDSD SDSD focuses on strategicnuclear forces; homeland and missile defense; as well as science & technology and innovation This division explores a range of potential futures and key variables to ensure DOWs limited resources support feasible and affordable future concepts and plans Duties and Responsibilities Conducting studies and assessing the efforts within the division portfolios strategic forces including conventional long range strike and nuclear forces; homeland and missile defense; and science & technology and innovation Analyses include assessments of the technological and acquisition risk associated with developing and fielding capabilities Applying a variety of analytical approaches to solve mission focused policy methodological andor administrative problems in a fast paced environment Ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified Executes analysis per approvedvalidappropriate methodologies Conducting analysis in a programming or statistical software suite such as R Python Excel AIML techniques MATLAB ArcGIS specific requirements may vary Generating and presenting the findings of analytical products to senior leaders and nontechnical audiences clearly and concisely Performing independently and within a team setting Leading a Program Review team to consider changes to Defense Components Program Objective Memoranda to ensure compliance with DOW guidance or to better align programs with the defense strategy For consideration as a GS 12 13 14 or 15 expected to be a subject matter expert and advise senior leaders on methodological or analytical issues Qualifications Basic Requirements A degree in operations research from an accredited collegeuniversity; 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 Required Skills Your experience must be relevant Your qualifications will be evaluated based on level of knowledge skills abilities andor competencies in the following areas Quantitative Analytics Mastery of mathematical reasoning that involves designing developing and applying operations research mathematical statistical andor other scientific research methods Demonstrated experience in using quantitative analytics to solve complex problems with innovative solutions sufficient to receive recognition as an authority in a particular subject Includes ability to develop new methodologies andor theories where current approaches are obsolete or do not support evolving directions and strategies Enterprise Programs Knowledge of DOW nuclear enterprise science and technology communications homeland defense missile defense programs space programs hypersonics chemical or biological defense including their contribution to successful accomplishment of critical DOW mission sets Ability to create and innovate new concepts analysis and alternatives to improve the SDSD portfolios Experience in DOW laboratories is desired US Defense Policies and Programs Thorough knowledge of US defense policies and programs allied military capabilities and projected threats to US interests Ability to review DoW planning documents National Defense Strategy Defense Planning Guidance etc evaluate impact on defense wide or service programs and prepare comments and fact based recommendations for changes or improvements Building Coalitions Ability to work with and collaborate with individuals across a broad spectrum of internal and external organizational representatives Demonstrated ability to independently work across organizations successfully navigate a complex bureaucracy to share and obtain information and to influence outcomes Must have the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization Communication Ability to translate complex concepts findings and limitations into concise plain language through varied types of written communication to include emails memos PowerPoint briefs white papers and full reports Oral communications may include formal presentations or briefings in front of large groups of senior officials and could occur with little to no forewarning and may require communicating on matters with opposing views Must be able to explain advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner and to negotiate Specialized Experience You must have at least one year equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week of demonstrating the duties and competencies for each GS level to qualify GS 12 Qualifications Under guidance of senior analysts applying a range of analytical mathematical andor statistical theories principles and practices to plan coordinate and execute segments of complex studies to support quantitative analytics; having the ability to communicate effectively and build coalitions OR PhD or equivalent Doctoral Degree with 1 year specialized experience at the GS 11 levelGS 13 Qualifications Experience in extracting and organizing raw program andor cost data under general direction from a supervisor or senior analyst conducting basic mathematical analysis of program information and assisting in the collection developmental and implementation of program andor cost related information Effectively communicating with senior officials internal and external colleagues scientific organizations and industry stakeholdersGS 14 Qualifications Broad range of operations research analysis assignments entailing unique problems creativity innovative use of quantitative analytic techniques advanced approaches andor new technologies Utilizes scientific inquiry independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate interpret and analyze program andor cost dataGS 15 Qualifications Leading teams in a teaming environment performing complex statistical analyses; evaluating large and complex military programs using quantitative analytic techniques; performing complex analyses in the absence of defined goals and outcomes providing expert consultation and technical expertise to agency senior leaders on studies and analysis and effectively communicating with senior officials internal and external colleagues scientific organizations and industry stakeholders PC1 Volunteer Work Experiences You can also receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience Volunteer work refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service Programs and other organizations eg professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social Background Checks and Security Clearance You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top SecretSCI security clearance For more information regarding security clearances click here How to Apply Required Documents 1 Resume a IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE BE CLEAR SPECIFIC AND DETAILED WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE b You must include name address contact information and the hours worked per week and the dates of employmentvolunteer experience ie hours per week and monthyear to monthyear or monthyear to present One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 2087 hours or 52 weeks of 40 hoursweek Part time hours are prorated You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as varies For additional information see How do I write a resume for a federal job c Do not include any photos and Personally Identifiable Information ie Social Security Number Birthdate on your resume d Resume must be limited to 2 pages and a minimum size 10 font Please save your resume as a PDF file to preserve the 2 page length 2 Transcripts Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the US Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications requirements Copies of a diploma alone are not sufficient a Foreign Education Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional US education program 3 Veterans Preference veteran eligibility documentation DD 214 Member 4 Copy VA Letter Standard Form SF 15 as applicable Please note If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 4 SF 50 Your latest SF 50 if applicable showing your tenure grade and step and type of position occupied Remove all Personally Identifiable Information Social Security Number and Birthdate a If you receive an updated SF 50 after initially applying please provide the updated document to CAPE to be added to your application b If youve had a break in service please provide your original appointment SF50 in addition to your resignation SF50 If you do not have your latest documents you can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center to obtain them see guidance here httpswwwarchivesgovpersonnel records centercivilian non archival 5 Military Spouse Preference Eligibility documentation if applicable For Priority Placement Program you must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP such as PCS ordersverification of duty location assignment and a copy of marriage certificate or license For eligibility under Executive Order 13473 acceptable documentation includes verification of marriage to the servicemember verification of members 100 percent disability or verification of members death while on active duty 6 Free Response Essay Questions Optional section to demonstrate your commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passion about the ideals of our American republic and commitment to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution You will not be scored against your responses for this section Please visit the CAPE Careers website for more information on CAPE our benefits and more How You Will Be Evaluated Subject matter experts will evaluate your qualifications before any referral If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position your application will be assessed in a multi hurdle process that ends in a ranking and referral Resume Review First Hurdle Subject matter experts will review your resume to determine qualifications based on the required competencies identified above Qualifying Structured Interviews Second Hurdle If the subject matter experts determine that your resume reflects the required competencies you will have a panel interview virtual or by phone to assess your experience against those competencies The interview may include in depth questions or an exercise or case study to measure your depth of knowledge Ranking and Preference Qualified candidates receive a score between 70 and 100 before any points for veterans preference Your answers are verified against the information in your application and by reference checks Preference is applied to applicants who move forward after the qualifying interviews Selection Process Hiring managers receive a certificate listing the qualified candidates eligible for selection If you are not selected for this position you may be considered for similar positions for up to six months from the certificate date and the certificate may be shared with other CAPE hiring managers If you are selected for an interview you may be asked to give a presentation analyze a case study or take part in several rounds of interviews Agency contact information Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation CAPE Email osdpentagoncapembxesd supportmailmil Address 1800 Defense Pentagon Room 3E231 Washington DC 20301 1800 Additional Information Priority consideration programs will continue under their current operating procedures Military Spouse Preference MSP Eligible Military Spouse Preference applicants must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self Certification Checklist NOTE Military spouses are eligible for one permanent noncompetitive appointment using their preference eligibility for the duration of the active duty sponsors assignment to a permanent duty station as long as the military spouse has not declined or accepted a permanent Federal or non appropriated fund position in the commuting area of the sponsors current duty location If you certify that you have not used your preference at your sponsors current duty location and it is discovered to be untrue you may be subject to loss of MSP and possible disciplinary action Military Spouses under Executive Order EO 13473 You are eligible for this hiring category if you are a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for more than 180 days other than for training; OR are a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty; OR are the un remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty Supporting documentation You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your eligibility for EO 13473 which may include Verification of the marriage to the service member ie a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage; Verification of the members 100 percent disability; andor Verification of the members death while on active duty Additionally you may need to submit a Standard Form 15 SF 15 an Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference and applicable supporting documents as noted on the form To obtain a copy of SF 15 go to httpswwwopmgovformspdffillsf15pdf Military Reserve MR and National Guard NG Technicians PPP Eligible MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist6 Military Reserve MR and National Guard NG Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist7 Retained Grade PPP Eligible Retained Grade PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self Certification Checklist Schedule B Excepted Service Public Notice Under this recruitment procedure applications will be accepted and selections are made for vacancies as they occur A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre employment requirements including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments Employed Annuitants Reemployed Annuitants Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants Selective Service Males born after 12 31 59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service For additional information click here Employment Eligibility Verification Washington Headquarters Services uses E Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees To learn more about E Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit httpwwwdhsgovE Verify Nepotism Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110 an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent Please read the following guidance Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity EEO Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request