Operations Research Engineer

Tetra Tech; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech AMT is seeking an Operations Research Engineer to support a new FAA project, applying quantitative methods to optimize NAS deconfliction planning and process design. You will collaborate with FAA stakeholders and industry partners to obtain data and validate models that guide strategic decisions.

Responsibilities include building and evaluating models, analyzing historical data, and communicating actionable recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field (e.g., OR, statistics, CS, math).
• Deep knowledge of operations research methods and their FAA relevance.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to translate data into strategic recommendations.
• Experience collecting data and building models for complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Apply OR knowledge to optimize NAS strategic deconfliction plan.
• Collaborate with FAA stakeholders and external partners to obtain data.
• Design business processes for strategic deconfliction with aviation stakeholders.
• Collect and analyze historical data; observe systems to identify bottlenecks.
• Evaluate outputs from specialized software used for air traffic deconfliction.
• Build quantitative models to compare scenarios meeting stakeholder objectives.
• Operate long-range and same-day planning models for strategic deconfliction.
• Assist FAA staff training on new traffic flow management processes.
• Document lessons learned and opportunities for process improvement.
• Define post-event analysis criteria and data expectations.
• Provide expert input in design, development and analysis of FAA products.

Skills

Operations Research

Data collection

Data modeling

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Tetra Tech AMT is looking for an Operations Research Engineer to support a new FAA project.

Primary job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Apply knowledge in the domain of Operations Research to optimize National Airspace System (NAS) strategic deconfliction plan
• Collaborate with FAA stakeholders and external industry partners (as needed) to obtain necessary data to operate logistically optimized model
• Contribute to business process design for the strategic deconfliction of air traffic in collaboration with internal and external aviation stakeholders for a new FAA Traffic Flow Management Evolution Program
• Collect and analyze historical data, observe network of applicable systems in action, and interview stakeholders to understand operational bottlenecks and business process inefficiencies
• Evaluate and assess the output of specialized software used for the deconfliction of air traffic
• Build quantitative Operational Research models to evaluate various scenarios that meet stakeholder objectives including lower fuel burden, less aircraft downtime, shorter block times, and faster flights
• Operate analytical models (long range and same day planning) to develop strategic deconfliction plans
• As needed, support the training of FAA staff on process execution related to newly designed traffic flow management program
• Document all lessons learned and FAA process improvement opportunities for evolution of strategic deconfliction processes/capability
• Define post event analysis criteria and data expectations
• Document recommended process improvement opportunities
• Provide expertise in the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical FAA products and systems
• Schedules will follow the 40-hour work week initially, but could evolve into shifts to support the traffic flow management needs on a 24 x 7 schedule
  

The successful candidate will have:

• Must have a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering (e.g. Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics) or related field
• Must have at least 10 years of professional experience supporting projects as an Operations Research Analyst or Engineer
• Possess broad knowledge of operations research procedures, methodologies, and can provide technical expertise in the application of state-of-the-art technology to meet FAA mission and aerospace requirements
• Deep analytical thinking and the ability to translate highly technical data into actionable, strategic recommendations for non-technical stakeholders
• Have deep expertise in data collection and modeling
• Background in air traffic management and airport and/or airline operations including FAA traffic flow management practices or airlines network management preferred but not required
• Flexible work schedule that may require working at FAA in-person and covering nights, weekends and even some holidays during the year as this is in support of a national and highly visible FAA project

Salary: $120,000 to $140,000 annually. Compensation is based on relevant experience and qualifications.Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.