Operations Research Analyst

Air Force Civilian Service; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service in Colorado, Aurora, seeks an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Operations Research Analyst to conduct major projects and studies applying advanced analytical methods to weapon system testing and readiness decisions. Requires U.S.

citizenship, ability to obtain Top-Secret clearance, and a degree with calculus coursework; position involves coordinating tasks, building complex models, and delivering reports to USSF and STARCOM with emphasis on mission readiness

Responsibilities

• Applies scientific, engineering, and analytical techniques to define, quantify, and evaluate OT&E projects and problems.
• Reviews studies and reports for methodological adequacy and validity of techniques used.

Job description

PCS Funding/Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: No Telework: YA002: Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework” Closes: 20 October 2026 Mission: Prepare USSF forces to prevail in a contested, degraded, and operationally limited environment through the independent test and evaluation of USSF capabilities and delivery of timely, accurate, and expert information in support of weapon system acquisition, operational acceptance, and readiness decisions. Purpose of position: To serve as an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) Operations Research Analyst. Conducts major projects and studies related to methods and systems that impact agency-wide weapon systems testing, providing expert guidance and advice to USSF, Field Commands, combatant commands (COCOM), and/or other agencies within the Department of Defense (DOD).

• Employs scientific, engineering, and/or analytical techniques to define, quantify, and evaluate the feasibility of OT&E projects, studies, or problems.
• Reviews and evaluates study projects, proposals, and/or reports for adequacy of methodology, including the use or development of computerized models, ensuring the techniques used are valid and appropriate to the problem or issue identified.
• Advises other analysts on matters concerning scientific work requiring the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques.
• Prepares reports, responses to queries, justifications, and background papers on the areas of expertise and assignment. Knowledge and skills for the position:
• Professional knowledge and mastery of one or more specialized areas of operations research, industrial engineering or mathematics sufficient to apply new analytical developments, methodologies, and research findings to broad studies of an unprecedented nature.
• Extensive knowledge and mastery of research techniques and concurrent ability to obtain information concerning subject studies to perform sound analyses.
• Knowledge of advanced, analytical, mathematical, or statistical theories, principles, concepts, methods, and techniques to provide expert judgments concerning the validity of assumptions made and the criteria to evaluate alternatives.
• Skill in coordinating extensive projects in assigned areas of responsibility. Projects are characterized by high visibility, unusual urgency, or program criticality.
• Ability to plan and execute tests, analyze results, write reports, identify the significant variables, and determine their underlying relationships.
• Ability to design, build, and use very complex, sophisticated models to simulate real-world environments of many variables. Requirements for the position:
• U.S. citizenship
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
• Degree: in operations research; 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.
• This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.
• Must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis. Mission: Space Delta 12 leads the integrated test and evaluation of USSF capabilities in order to rapidly field combat‑credible weapon systems and tactics. The United States Space Force (USSF), Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs). The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space‑based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of War relies on satellites and advanced space‑based technology for secure communications, navigation, real‑time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space‑based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space. The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high‑performing organization necessary to secure and defend space. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!