Jr. Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc.; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 67,500 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) in Alexandria, VA, seeks a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to support DHS capability development programs. The role focuses on applying quantitative methods and analytical thinking to complex problems in a government context.

You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, perform data analysis, modeling, and evaluation, and help improve decision support for DHS missions while maintaining security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 0-3 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert analysis and solution development in a specialized field for DHS capability programs.
• Evaluate and analyze complex problems, then recommend and implement solutions using advanced subject-matter knowledge.
• Apply data analytics, process modeling, and performance management to improve processes and decision-making.
• Collaborate with DHS stakeholders and SPA teams to ensure quality and effectiveness of initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Organization

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.

We have a future need for a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.

Responsibilities

The Jr. Operations Research Analyst will provide expert analysis and solution development in a specialized field. The position involves evaluating and analyzing complex problems, then recommending and implementing solutions using advanced subject‑matter knowledge. The role applies established principles and methods (e.g., in areas such as data analytics, economic/behavioral analysis, process modeling, performance management, change management, regulatory compliance, or technical domains like communication networks or defense capabilities) to improve processes, support decision‑making, and ensure quality and effectiveness across organizational initiatives associated with DHS capability development efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree with 0-3 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Desired

• DHS Systems Engineering Level 1, DAWIA Engineering and Technical Management Foundational Level 1, and/or ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional): INCOSE.
• Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government's technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
• Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
• Active DHS Suitability.

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $67,500.00/Yr. - USD $85,000.00/Yr.