Lead Operations Research Analyst

Air Force Civilian Service; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 129,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) seeks a Lead Operations Research Analyst (GS-1515-14) to join NORAD/USNORTHCOM, J7/J76 at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. You will lead M&S wargaming across domains, drive AI and data science solutions, and brief senior leaders to sharpen strategic decision-making and readiness. May offer incentives for qualified candidates.

Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for TS/SCI clearance; possess advanced quantitative expertise and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Top Secret/SCI clearance required.
• Drug testing position designated.
• Cyber workforce proficiency milestones within 9–12 months and ongoing development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of high-stakes Joint & Combined wargames across domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber).
• Guide analytical teams and advance AI and data science solutions for defense readiness.
• Brief senior defense leaders to sharpen strategic decision-making and national security readiness.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Leadership

AI & data science

Complex problem solving

Technical vision

Education

Degree in operations research

Calculus coursework (3 credits)

Job description

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) empowers civilian professionals to grow their careers while supporting the mission of the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Bring your talent to a team that values innovation, expertise, and service – and where your work directly contributes to mission success.

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a Full-Time Lead Operations Research Analyst (GS-1515-14) to serve at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Training and Exercise Directorate (J7), Joint Wargaming Division (J76), Peterson Space Force Base (SFB), Colorado.

May offer Recruitment, Relocation, Retention Incentives, including Superior Qualification, and Advance Leave Accrual to those who qualify.

Salary Range: $129,096 – $167,830 based on experience.

Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.

Qualifications/Requirements

Lead the future of homeland defense! As our premier modeling & simulation (M&S) authority, you will drive the design and execution of high-stakes Joint & Combined wargames spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber domains. You will guide talented analytical teams, pioneer cutting‑edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science solutions, and brief senior defense leaders to sharpen strategic decision‑making and national security readiness. Bring your advanced quantitative expertise, technical vision, and leadership to mission‑critical operations.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a “Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)” security clearance.
• This is a designated Drug Testing Position.
• Must be able to meet foundational Cyber Workforce proficiency within 9 months, and meet resident proficiency within 12 months, followed by a minimum of 20 hours per year of Continuous Professional Development.

Degree Requirements

• Degree: Major in operations research; OR
• Coursework Combination: 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 Core Competencies

• Scientific & M&S Knowledge: Professional knowledge of engineering, mathematics, statistical analysis, modeling/simulation, and/or other scientific concepts, principles, standards, methods, techniques, practices, and procedures.
• Joint Policy & Doctrine: Knowledge and understanding of agency, Air Force (AF), Department of Defense (DoD) and national‑level doctrine, regulations, policies, guidelines, requirements, and initiatives related to assigned program(s) and/or project(s).
• Classified Control: Knowledge of security procedures to maintain control of classified material.
• Complex Problem Solving: Skill in applying analytical and evaluative techniques to identify, investigate, resolve complex issues or problems, and modify standard practices and techniques to solve complex interrelated problems.
• Technical Vision: Skill, judgment, resourcefulness, originality, and ability to foresee the impact of changing technology.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal work age.

AFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer