Operations Research Analyst

Air Force Research Laboratory; Rosamond (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Situational telework

On-site at Edwards AFB

Professional development

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in California seeks a mid-level Operations Research Analyst to develop advanced analyses, optimize resources, and evaluate weapon concepts. The role involves building multi-domain MUAs, analyzing logistics, and testing concepts in wargames and simulations at Edwards AFB.

APDP certification steps must be completed within 24 months, with prior DoD program experience preferred. The position requires US citizenship, the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance, and

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• B.Sc. or M.Sc. degrees in Operations Research, Computational Mathematics, Physics, or an Engineering field.

Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, and generates multi-domain MUAs to support rocket and space technology development.
• Develops acquisition strategies and cost assessments for rocket and space concepts.
• Analyzes supply chain and logistics operations for rocket and space systems.
• Tests concepts in wargames and simulations to address operational tactics and mission outcomes.
• APDP: 24-month path to meet requirements or obtain waiver; list any acquisition certifications in resume.

Skills

Matlab

Python

C++

Fortran

Operations Research

Wargaming

Data Mining

Data Visualization

Communication

Education

B.Sc. in Operations Research / Computational Mathematics / Physics / Engineering

M.Sc. in Operations Research / related field

Tools

MATLAB

Military simulation codes

Job description

OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED US CITIZENS.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PDT, 30 October 2026.

Job Overview

The AFRL Digital Rocket Engineering Branch (AFRL/RJPD) in the Rocket & Space Propulsion Division, Space Warfare Directorate, seeks to fill a mid-level position at DR-02 or DR-03 levels (depending on qualifications) as Operations Research Analyst. The position is located at the AFRL Rocket Laboratory in Leuhman Ridge, Edwards AFB, CA. For more than 60 years, the AFRL Rocket Laboratory at Edwards AFB has contributed to several technology developments in rocket engines, including those of Saturn, Titan, Space Shuttle, and all major intercontinental ballistic missiles and current space launchers. Today, the site continues to enable technology leaps in hypersonics, solid rocket boosters, in-space propulsion, and liquid rockets for defense and commercial space in support for the Air & Space Forces. We are searching for a high-performing, highly-motivated individual with a technical background and strong experience in advanced mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and computer simulations to develop complex military utility analyses (MUAs), optimize resources, evaluate weapon concepts, and improve strategies for air & space power.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Plans, designs, and generates multi-domain MUAs to provide practical context for rocket & space technology development.
• Develops acquisition strategies and cost assessments for rocket & space military concept systems.
• Analyzes supply chain and logistics operations associated with rocket & space military concept systems.
• Test concepts in wargames and simulations to address operational tactics and mission outcomes.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring level 1-Foundational, Non-Critical certification in Engineering & Technical Management. The selectee will have 24-months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Government applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• B.Sc. or M.Sc. degrees in Operations Research, Computational Mathematics, Physics, or any Engineering field of relevance for the duties of this position.

Desired Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Computational Mathematics, or any Engineering field of relevance for the duties of this position.
• Experience with operations research and test of military technology concepts, including wargaming and analysis of mission outcomes.
• Working knowledge of space systems, space propulsion, missile propulsion, rocket vehicle dynamics, and orbital mechanics.
• Working knowledge of basic computational tools, including Matlab, Python, as well as programming languages such as C++ or Fortran.
• Excellent communication skills to interface with engineers, scientists, and program managers.
• Experience with Multi-Parameter Optimization, Uncertainty Quantification, Validation, and Verification.
• Experience with Department of War’s military simulation codes.
• Experience in military utility aspects of technology concepts for air & space warfare.
• Experience in modern aspects of data mining, data visualization, and data presentation to technical leadership audiences.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

Yes

Series

• 08XX
• 13XX
• 15XX

Additional Information

Candidates with resumes longer than 2-pages will not be considered.