Operations Research Analyst

Air Force Civilian Service; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 89,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Civilian Service in El Paso seeks an Operations Research Analyst to apply advanced analytical techniques to optimize resource allocation, improve decision-making, and assess counternarcotics strategies for the Joint Task Force North.

The role requires US citizenship, a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, and a degree in operations research or related quantitative fields; familiarity with platforms such as Palantir Maven is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in operations research or 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or equivalent; at least 3 of 24 hours must be in calculus.
• Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to solve problems; able to interpret outputs from model platforms such as Palantir Maven.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced analytical techniques to optimize resource allocation and improve decision‑making.
• Assess effectiveness of counternarcotics strategies and ensure data-driven operations.

Skills

Analytical ability

Strong communication

Briefing senior leaders

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in operations research

24 semester hours in math/statistics/calculus

Tools

Palantir Maven

Legion

JADC2

ABMS

TITAN

Job description

Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force.

The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for an Operations Research Analyst, GS-1515-12 to work at Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX.

Salary Range: $89,000 - 101,000

Opportunity to work directly in Tucson at Davis–Monthan AFB, AZ may be available.

Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available based on eligibility.

JTF-N employs military capabilities to support law enforcement agencies and facilitates interagency synchronization within its area of responsibility to anticipate, deter, detect, and prevent transnational criminal organization (TCO) threats to the homeland, including drug trafficking and illegal smuggling activities. This position contributes to this mission by applying advanced analytical techniques to optimize resource allocation, improve decision‑making, and assess the effectiveness of counternarcotics strategies, ensuring JTF-N's operations are data-driven and impactful in combating threats.

• US citizenship is required
• This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance as a condition of employment.
• This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position
• A 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 is required. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
• Transcripts are required
• Knowledge of a wide range of methods and techniques used in operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities—ability to apply statistical, probabilistic, and computational approaches to evaluate complex operational problems, assess system performance, and generate actionable insights from large, heterogeneous datasets commonly used in ISR and mission analysis.
• Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions—capable of leveraging machine learning–enabled platforms such as Palantir Maven to interpret model outputs, evaluate algorithmic confidence levels, validate detection/identification results, and integrate AI‑generated insights into operational courses of action or alternative solution sets.
• Ability to participate in study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
• Strong communicator—comfortable speaking and writing clearly, working through complex issues, and maintaining solid working relationships.
• Able to explain technical and analytical information to senior leaders (SES and Flag‑level) and confidently brief teams on data trends and insights.

Highly Desirable Experience:

Using platforms such as Maven (MSS), Legion, JADC2, ABMS, TITAN

US citizenship required. AFCS is an Equal Opportunity employer. Must be of legal working age.