OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Defense Information Systems Agency; Fort Meade (MD); Hybrid; USD 143,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) seeks a qualified analyst to perform data analysis on program costs and migration schedules, develop cost estimates and rate models, and support resource allocation decisions. The role requires applying operations research and financial methods to forecast outcomes and improve decision making.

The successful candidate will collaborate with DISA OCFO and other divisions to ensure alignment with strategic financial objectives, while developing dynamic

Qualifications

• Degree in operations research or 24 semester hours in math/statistics with calculus courses
• GS-14 requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-13
• Experience with quantitative/financial analysis and cost estimating/m Modeling
• Proficiency with analytic tools and programming languages for advanced data analytics

Responsibilities

• Data Analysis: analyze program costs and migration schedules to identify patterns and insights
• Modeling: develop cost estimate sources, methods, controls and projections
• Problem Solving: apply analytical methods to support program resource allocation
• Strategy and Planning: collaborate across DISA divisions to align on budget and financial goals
• Rate Development: develop cost recovery models and propose rates for services

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Financial analysis

Cost estimating

Modeling

Data analytics tools

Education

Operations research degree

Calculus coursework

Tools

ACEIT

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Power BI

R Studio

Python

Job description

Summary

This position is located within the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Office of the Chief Financial Officer (J8), Cost Analysis & Rate Development Branch (Reimbursables), headquartered at The Pentagon, Washington, DC. Duty location options: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Meade, Maryland; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia; Scott AFB, Illinois.

Duties

• Data Analysis: Analyze program data such as costs, migration schedules to identify patterns, and insights for improved decision-making. Employs technical, financial knowledge and experience to discuss/identify cost scalability, develop assumptions.
• Modeling: Develops cost estimate sources, methods, controls, and projections using a variety of techniques where applicable to understand complex problems and forecast outcomes.
• Problem Solving: Apply logical reasoning and analytical methods to support solutions for program resource allocation, logistics, and personnel management.
• Strategy and Planning: Engages with other DISA divisions to ensure OCFO is involved from a strategy, budgetary, financial, and business perspective to meet DISA and OCFO mission objectives by providing data-driven insights and analysis.
• Rate Development: Supports and develops cost recovery models and proposes rates for new and existing DISA services. Explores alternatives for cost recovery and briefs OCFO leadership to narrow the options and refine cost recovery models.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Current DoD Employees: You must submit your most recent SF-50 to verify your current grade, step, tenure, and eligibility. Your SF-50 must demonstrate at least 52 consecutive weeks at the GS-13 grade level.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

Degree

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.

Time in Grade

For entry at the GS‑14 grade level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS‑13 or higher grade in the Federal Service.

Specialized Experience

To qualify at the GS‑14 grade level, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑13 grade level in the federal service that demonstrates:

• Quantitative & Financial Analysis: Applying operations research, financial analysis, and quantitative methodologies to evaluate complex data.
• Cost Estimating & Modeling: Conducting cost analysis and rate development, establishing collection and estimation methodologies, and building dynamic life‑cycle cost models across multiple acquisition pathways. OR 3. Data & Statistical Tools: Utilizing specialized analytical tools and programming languages (e.g., ACEIT, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, R Studio, or Python) to conduct advanced statistical analysis and data analytics.

In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements, qualified applicants must also possess the quality of experience as it relates to how closely or to what extent an applicant's background, recency of experience, education, and training are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the announced position. Candidates must clearly demonstrate the possession of competencies necessary to successfully perform the work of the position at the appropriate level to be qualified for the position. Applicants must describe how their experience meets the competencies within the body of the resume.

Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2026); and full‑time or part‑time status.

Competencies: Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reasoning, Self‑Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork

Qualification and time‑in‑grade requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.

Pay By Locality

• Chambersburg, PA $125,776 to $163,514
• Ft. Huachuca, AZ $128,162 to $166,615
• Mechanicsburg, PA $128,323 to $166,825
• Scott AFB, IL $128,967 to $167,663
• Columbus, OH $131,245 to $170,624
• Ft. Meade, MD $143,913 to $187,093
• Pentagon, DC $143,913 to $187,093

Education

Evaluation Of Education

The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.

Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.

The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college‑level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Foreign Education

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Additional information

• Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination
• Moving costs MAY be paid.
• Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives MAY be authorized.
• The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
• The incumbent must obtain Acquisition certification in the Business - Cost Estimating Functional Area at the Practitioner Functional Tier within 60 months of entry into this position, in accordance with DoD Instruction 5000.66, Defense Acquisition Workforce Education, Training, Experience, and Career Development Program. The incumbent must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two years in accordance with the 4th Estate Director for Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Common Continuous Learning Cycle (unless prorated) from the time they are appointed to an Acquisition Workforce position, both while working toward and after obtaining the required certification. Additional information may be found at: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics.
• This position is not open to retired federal employees interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant. Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8344 and 8468, a dual compensation (salary offset) waiver is NOT authorized for this position. Therefore, individuals receiving a federal civil service retirement annuity are not eligible for consideration under this vacancy.
• For more information on veterans' preference click here.
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
• This position is subject to the limitations imposed by the DOD Priority Placement Program.
• For more information regarding qualifications requirements please click here.
• You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility
• All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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