Jr. Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning & Analysis, Inc.; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to support national security and homeland defense programs. The role may involve work at government sites in DC and at SPA facilities in Alexandria, VA, contributing to data-driven research and analytical rigor.

The candidate will apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, and collaborate with teams to deliver actionable insights and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 1+ years of operations research or a related field experience.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain DHS Suitability.
• Experience working as part of a team to solve problems.
• Experience using repeatable and transparent analytic processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to apply data-driven research and analyze large data sets to inform business decisions.
• Apply operations research techniques such as mathematical optimization, decision analysis, graph theory, and statistical analysis.
• Support the development of plans of action and timetables to meet deadlines and prepare briefings and contract deliverables.
• Communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders clearly.

Skills

Operations research

Analytical reasoning

Data analysis

Active Secret clearance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Math/OR/Stats/CS/Engineering

Tools

R

Python

VBA

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, both in the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets.

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 countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety.

We have an upcoming need for a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to support SPA customers in the national security and homeland defense mission spaces to make better decisions. Candidates should be flexible to work both on a government site in DC when necessary and in SPA in Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

The candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of our data‑driven initiatives. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to contribute to data‑driven research studies and apply statistical methods to analyze large and complex data sets to uncover insights and inform business decisions. Support the implementation of and compliance with data quality control processes to ensure accuracy and completeness of data, communicate findings and insights to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, and stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. Assist in identifying, prioritizing, and executing analyses to help demonstrate and expand analytical rigor and capability. Apply operations research techniques such as mathematical optimization, decision analysis, graph theory, and statistical analysis. Apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Use data exploration techniques, analytical methods, operations research, and modeling and simulation tools to support program execution. Assist in the development of plans of action and timetables in order to meet established deadlines. Assist in the development of briefings, memos, and contract deliverables.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 1+ years of operations research or a related field experience.
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain DHS Suitability.
• Experience working as part of a team to solve problems.
• Experience using repeatable and transparent analytic processes.

Desired

• Experience providing analytical support to DHS.
• Experience with at least one coding language such as R, Python, or VBA.
• Experience building and validating a model or simulation.
• Current DHS Suitability.

Compensation & Benefits

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 programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $80,000 - $95,000 per year.