Operation Research Analyst

Joint Research and Development; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life & AD&D Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Disability Insurance

401K Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Joint Research and Development is seeking candidates for a contingent/future position supporting the DHS Science and Technology program in Washington, DC, with a possible hybrid work arrangement. The role focuses on applying operations research methods to improve mission outcomes and support decision-making across multiple domains.

Responsibilities include data analytics, optimization, simulation, performance measurement, and evaluation reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years' experience in engineering or technical fields.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to analysis, evaluation, and development of data-driven solutions.
• Resolves complex operational problems using quantitative techniques (e.g., optimization, simulation, statistics).
• Applies OR principles to design, assess, and implement solutions across diverse areas.
• Provides analytical support across data analytics, economic/behavioral analysis, process modeling and simulation, performance management and decision support systems.
• Supports business process improvement and organizational effectiveness through modeling and forecasting.

Skills

Excellent communication

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MS/PhD)

Job description

JRAD is seeking candidates for [a contingent / future] position supporting the [DHS Science and Technology (S&T)]. This position is [Washington DC/ possibly hybrid].

Roles/Responsibilities:

• Contributes to the analysis, evaluation, and development of data-driven solutions, applying operations research methods to support decision-making and improve mission outcomes.
• Resolves complex operational problems using advanced quantitative techniques (e.g., optimization, simulation, statistical analysis) and deep subject-matter expertise.
• Applies operations research principles and analytical methodologies to design, assess, and implement specialized solutions across diverse functional areas.
• Provides analytical support across domains such as data analytics, economic and behavioral analysis, process modeling and simulation, performance management, and decision support systems.
• Supports business process improvement and organizational effectiveness through modeling, forecasting, and performance measurement.
• Assists in the development, review, and refinement of test and evaluation (T&E) documentation, ensuring analytical rigor and alignment with program objectives.
• Provides input on key program documents, including Operational Requirements Documents, Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Plans, T&E Strategies, Test Plans, and evaluation reports, to strengthen analytical validity and decision support.

Required Skills and Education:

• Bachelor's degree at least 3 years' experience
• Engineering (or technical) experience
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Preferred qualifications
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD)
  • Knowledge of Department of Homeland Security Acquisition and Systems Engineering policy

Security Clearance:

• DHS Suitability
• Secret

When you work for JRAD you will never be just a number. We put people before profits!

JRAD is committed to the health and well-being of its employees. We offer more paid time off than the average company upon hire and the following benefits are available to all full-time employees:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts for unreimbursed medical & dependent day care
• Disability Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement

JRAD is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The JRAD salary range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. These factors include, but are not limited to position responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and contract terms and conditions.