Operations Research Analyst

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA); Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) seeks an Operations Research Analyst to provide rigorous cost estimates and quantitative analyses to inform planning, programming, and decision-making across NGA programs. You will build models, conduct feasibility studies, and evaluate alternatives to support cost and risk decisions.

Ideal candidates will have strong experience in data analysis, statistical methods, and briefing senior leaders; DAWIA certification may be required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience analyzing data to investigate trends or relationships, predict future patterns, and/or develop recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience researching, developing, and/or building quantitative models to predict probabilistic outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience briefing (e.g. customers, external stakeholders, senior leadership)
• Demonstrated experience identifying and applying appropriate statistical standards to conduct reviews of quantitative outputs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct credible and timely cost estimates to support the acquisition process; enable leadership to make informed decisions.
• Conduct data collection, research and analysis to improve accuracy and reliability of cost estimates.
• Build quantitative models to predict future cost of systems and assess programmatic risks; document results.
• Prepare briefings and present cost analysis results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with IC, DOD, and industry partners on best practices and tradecraft improvement.
• Provide leadership and guidance to a team of Cost Analysts.

Skills

Data analysis

Quantitative modeling

Briefing stakeholders

Statistical standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Engineering/Math/Operations Research

Job description

Cover Letter

Applicants are not required to submit a cover letter for employment consideration with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. However, a cover letter is recommended. Applicants will have the option to attach a cover letter in the Qualifications - Attachments step of the online application.

Pay Band, Salary Range - Ext

2026 DC Salary Chart:
Band 4 $121,785 - $187,093

Permanent Change in Station

PERMANENT CHANGE IN STATION: PCS expenses are not authorized.

NGA Marketing Message

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is the world leader in Geospatial Intelligence. We analyze imagery and data from many sources and incorporate it into visual displays of essential information for use in national defense, homeland security and safety of navigation. The extraordinary talents and skills of our teams of analysts and other professionals are vital to our success as the worldwide provider of GEOINT.
Know the World, Show the Way...from Seabed to Space!

Assignment Description

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION: Operations Research Analysts provide decision makers with sound, quantitative information as a basis for making decisions. They apply rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and use mathematical, statistical, and econometric analysis techniques to support Agency projects or problem solving studies. They research and analyze proposed changes to programs and operations to determine their impact on performance, cost, efficiency, service levels, and effectiveness. They develop models, conduct feasibility studies, analyze alternatives, assess risk, evaluate business cases, and assess program decisions. They provide advice and insight to NGA management and oversight that informs the planning, programming, implementation, and sustainment of programs and operations. They work across disciplinary boundaries and develop multidisciplinary solutions to complex problems.

Promotion Opportunity

PROMOTION OPPORTUNITY: Promotion opportunities allow applicants at all band levels to be considered. Qualifications for NGA positions do not include specific time-in-band requirements. NGA will emphasize quality of experience, rather than duration, and assess how the quality of the experience demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance in the NGA occupational structure.

Additional Information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) serves as the world leader in providing timely, relevant, accurate and actionable geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). NGA's civilian, military and contract personnel evaluate imagery, maps, charts, multiple layers of foundation data – such as terrain, elevation and gravity – and the full spectrum of visible and invisible light in order to help users visualize what is happening at a particular place and time. Our intelligence officers go beyond describing 'what, where and when' to revealing 'how and why.' Our work enables decision advantage for our policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders.
The Operations Research Analyst provides independent analysis and valuation of select NGA plans, programs, mission, and other enterprise-wide efforts and initiatives to inform resource decision-makers or address key concerns of NGA leadership. ORAs lead and support the conduct of statistical analysis (e.g. regression, stochastic) of historical data as an empirical basis for producing independent cost estimates, new analyses of alternatives, or program evaluations. They will collaborate with program, contracting and technical offices in developing scope, baseline, ground rules and assumptions. They will also collaborate with internal Agency, DoD/IC and industry partners to improve program evaluation practices and standards and enhance data collection methods.
Job Description:
The Operations Research Analyst (ORA) Cost Estimator supports the planning, implementation, and sustainment of systems and/or programs to meet customer requirements by providing cost analysis services. They develop cost estimates and models, conduct feasibility studies and tradeoff analyses, assess risk and schedule, and prepare or evaluate estimates for analysis of alternatives and business cases for planned solutions. They develop rough order-of-magnitude estimates for new initiatives/projects and budgetary investment/divestment decisions. They conduct statistical analyses to produce cost estimates, conduct cost research, and provide cost expertise for Agency and community-wide initiatives.

Duties

• Conduct credible and timely cost estimates to support the acquisition process for select programs; enabling internal and external leadership to make informed decisions concerning cost, budget, and schedule
• Conduct data collection, research and analysis to improve the accuracy and reliability of cost estimates
• Build quantitative models to predict the future cost of systems and assess programmatic risks; document results
• Prepare briefings and present cost analysis results to internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with IC, DOD, and industry partners on best practices and tradecraft improvement
• Provide leadership and guidance to a team of Cost Analysts

Qualifications Mandatory

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement’s mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:

• Demonstrated experience analyzing data to investigate trends or relationships, predict future patterns, and/or develop recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience researching, developing, and/or building quantitative models to predict probabilistic outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience briefing (e.g. customers, external stakeholders, senior leadership)
• Demonstrated experience identifying and applying appropriate statistical standards to conduct reviews of quantitative outputs.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Systems Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Physics, Statistics, or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above, and involved advanced mathematical skills in calculus, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, and/or quantitative analysis. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A, plus experience in applying advanced mathematical skills in calculus, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, and/or qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and organizations, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. -OR- C. Experience: A minimum of 4 years of experience in applying advanced mathematical skills in calculus, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, probability, and/or qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and organizations, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. -AND- LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: DAWIA Certification may be required for this position; See Position License and Certification Requirements for additional details. New Acquisition Workforce members or members transferring to a different or higher skill level will have, upon position entry, thirty-six months, forty-eight months, or sixty months, depending on the DAWIA Tier required, to achieve their certification. Current Acquisition Workforce members must maintain their current certification by achieving 80 Continuous Learning hours every twenty-four months.

Qualifications Desirable

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:

• Demonstrated experience with collecting data (e.g. interviews, technical documents, financial information, contract documentation)
• Demonstrated experience with establishing project management plans/strategies, assessing performance against intended outcomes, and adapt based on assessment results.
• Demonstrated experience with applying written, visual, and oral communication techniques, and domain expertise to convey complex concepts and/or technical information.

Special Info External

• U.S. Citizenship
• Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
• Polygraph & Drug Test
• Direct Deposit
• Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service

Applicant Evaluation Process

1. All applicants will be evaluated using the Mandatory Qualification Criteria,
2. Qualified applicants will then be evaluated by an expert or panel of experts using a combination of qualification criteria to determine the best-qualified candidates,
3. Best-qualified applicants may then be further evaluated through an interview process.

DCIPS Statement

NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process.
This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility.

Benefits

Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the Federal Government. We offer a broad array of benefits programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family.
For more information on the array of benefits programs, please visit https://www.nga.mil/careers/Benefits_&_Pay.html.