Operations Research Analyst, Junior

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a junior Operations Research Analyst in Arlington, VA to support mission-critical modeling and analysis of platforms, sensors, and weapons for Navy ISR&T scenarios.

You will build models, analyze data, and develop metrics while collaborating with engineers, SMEs, and government customers. A TS/SCI eligible clearance and relevant OR education are required, with 0–5 years of experience.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (current SSBI or equivalent background investigation a must).
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research or related field with at least 24 semester hours in relevant subjects.
• 0-5 years of relevant OR experience in modeling, analysis, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, data collection, data reduction, test planning, and evaluation processes.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, SAS JMP, Perl, or similar analytical tools.
• Ability to support modeling and simulation and translate results into operational insights.

Responsibilities

• Support mission-critical defense analyses involving platforms, sensors, weapons, and ISR&T scenarios.
• Build and refine models and simulations representing real-world systems and mission scenarios.
• Use analytical tools to evaluate system trades and identify insights.
• Develop performance metrics to communicate capabilities and limitations to stakeholders.
• Support test planning, data collection, reduction, analysis, and results interpretation.
• Apply statistical techniques to support defensible conclusions.
• Analyze environmental data and assess impact on platforms and missions.
• Assist in concept of operations development using quantitative analysis.
• Collaborate with government customers, engineers, analysts, and SMEs to define requirements.
• Translate complex technical information into clear insights for diverse audiences.
• Prepare analytical reports, presentations, and briefings with methodologies and recommendations.
• Contribute to team modeling efforts on system trade studies and mission utility.
• Develop expertise in advanced analytics, including ML, pattern recognition, and optimization.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Research

Tools

MATLAB

Python

SAS JMP

Perl

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a 100% employee-owned federal government contractor, is seeking a junior Operations Research Analyst to support mission-critical modeling, simulation, and analysis of platforms, sensors, and weapons in OSD-approved scenarios, with a strong focus on Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T).

In this role, you’ll apply your background in operations research, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or data analysis to help evaluate system performance and mission effectiveness. You’ll collaborate with experienced analysts, engineers, subject matter experts, and government customers while developing practical expertise in modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, mission analysis, and technical communication.

Responsibilities

As an Operations Research Analyst with AMERICAN SYSTEMS, you will have the opportunity to:

• Support mission-critical defense analyses involving platforms, sensors, weapons, and tactical scenarios, with a focus on Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T).
• Build and refine models and simulations that represent real-world systems, operational environments, and mission-level scenarios.
• Use analytical tools such as MATLAB, Python, and statistical methods to evaluate system trades, assess mission effectiveness, and identify meaningful insights.
• Develop performance metrics that help government customers and senior leaders understand system capabilities, limitations, and mission utility.
• Support test and evaluation activities by helping with test planning, data collection, data reduction, analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Apply statistical techniques such as confidence intervals, parametric and non-parametric analysis, and data decomposition to support defensible conclusions.
• Analyze environmental data and assess how environmental conditions may affect platforms, sensors, and mission outcomes.
• Support concept of operations development by using quantitative analysis to evaluate mission needs and operational approaches.
• Collaborate with government customers, engineers, analysts, and subject matter experts to define requirements, document assumptions, and develop meaningful analytical questions.
• Translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Prepare analytical reports, presentations, and briefings that communicate methodologies, findings, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Contribute to team-based modeling and simulation efforts focused on system trade studies and mission utility.
• Develop your expertise in advanced analytical methods, including machine learning, pattern recognition, and optimization techniques.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical working groups, and training opportunities, including occasional travel within the continental United States.
• Grow your skills alongside experienced operations research professionals while supporting important national security missions.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (current SSBI or equivalent background investigation a must)
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research or a related field that includes at least 24 semester hours of coursework in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, computer science, engineering, political science, intelligence, international relations, or national security studies.
• 0-5 years of relevant experience in operations research, systems analysis, data analysis, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, or a related field. Relevant academic, internship, military, or research experience may be considered.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, data collection, data reduction, test planning, and test and evaluation processes.
• Experience with one or more analytical or programming tools, such as MATLAB, Python, SAS JMP, Perl, or similar applications.
• Ability to support modeling and simulation, analyze system performance, develop or apply performance metrics, and translate results into meaningful operational insights.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to government customers and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with analysts, engineers, subject matter experts, and government customers.
• Ability to travel occasionally within the continental United States for working group meetings, training, and other program-related activities

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $80,000.00/Yr. - USD $115,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status