Operations Research Analyst, Lead

American Systems; Virginia; On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking an Operations Research Analyst to support modeling, simulation, and analysis of platforms, sensors, and weapons for USMC wargaming analyses. You will lead analytical efforts, develop measures of performance, and brief findings to senior government leadership.

This role offers direct government engagement, mentoring opportunities, and the use of advanced methods to inform decisions. Travel within the U.S. may be required.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a current SSBI or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in operations research or related field with at least 24 semester hours of OR/math/stats coursework.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in operations research or related fields.
• Experience leading or contributing to complex analytical studies.
• Experience with campaign-, mission-, or engagement-level modeling and simulation.
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, SAS JMP, Perl, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of test planning, data analysis, and evaluation methods.
• Ability to lead teams, mentor analysts, and manage priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts involving platforms, sensors, weapons, and scenarios.
• Define analytical requirements, develop assumptions, determine model detail, and select methodologies.
• Evaluate system trades, mission utility, and capability gaps.
• Develop measures of performance and effectiveness to support decisions.
• Apply statistical and data analysis methods to assess performance.
• Lead teams of analysts and coordinate with engineers and government customers.
• Prepare and brief technical reports and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Communicate complex methods and results clearly to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Mentor junior analysts and review analytical products for quality.
• Apply machine learning, pattern recognition, and optimization techniques when appropriate.
• Travel occasionally within the continental United States for meetings and engagements.

Tools

MATLAB

Python

SAS

JMP

Perl

NSS

AFSIM

STORM

EADSIM

STK

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a 100% employee-owned federal government contractor, is seeking an Operations Research Analyst to support modeling, simulation, and analysis of platforms, sensors, and weapons in OSD-approved scenarios, with a focus on USMC Wargaming Analysis.

You’ll lead complex analyses that inform system trades, mission effectiveness, and operational decisions. This role offers the opportunity to work directly with government customers, shape analytical approaches, mentor junior analysts, and brief findings to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

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

  • Lead modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts involving platforms, sensors, weapons, and tactical scenarios.
  • Define analytical requirements, develop assumptions, determine model detail, and select appropriate methodologies.
  • Evaluate system trades, mission utility, operational concepts, and capability gaps.
  • Develop measures of performance, measures of effectiveness, and other metrics that support government decision-making.
  • Apply statistical, data analysis, and test and evaluation methods to assess system performance.
  • Lead teams of analysts and coordinate with engineers, subject matter experts, and government customers.
  • Prepare and brief technical reports, analytical products, and recommendations to audiences ranging from technical working groups to senior government leadership.
  • Communicate complex analytical methods, results, and limitations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Mentor junior analysts and review analytical products for quality and technical rigor.
  • Apply machine learning, pattern recognition, and optimization techniques when appropriate.
  • Travel occasionally within the continental United States for working group meetings, training, and customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a current SSBI or equivalent investigation.
• 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, mathematical logic, computer science, engineering, political science, intelligence, international relations, or national security studies.
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in operations research, systems analysis, modeling and simulation, data analysis, test and evaluation, or a related field.
• Experience independently leading or contributing to complex analytical studies, from requirements definition through final recommendations.
• Experience with campaign-, mission-, or engagement-level modeling and simulation.
• Experience using analytical or programming tools such as MATLAB, Python, SAS JMP, Perl, or similar applications.
• Knowledge of test planning, data collection, statistical analysis, data reduction, measures of performance, measures of effectiveness, and evaluation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor analysts, engage customers, and manage competing priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to brief senior stakeholders.

Additional Skills That Would Be Helpful

• Experience with NSS, AFSIM, STORM, EADSIM, STK, or similar modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience supporting ISR&T missions or related defense, intelligence, or national security programs.
• Experience analyzing platforms, sensors, weapons, environmental impacts, or tactical operations.
• Experience developing concepts of operations through quantitative analysis.
• Experience presenting technical findings at MORS conferences or to senior government leadership.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $140,000/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