Operations Researcher (Mission-Enabling Analysis)

National Security Agency; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 87,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

NSA is seeking an Operations Research Analyst (Entry Level) to join a dynamic team at Fort Meade, MD.

This role focuses on applying mathematical and statistical methods to support decision making and mission-critical problems within a multidisciplinary data science environment.

Qualifications

• Degree must be in Mathematics, Operations Research, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field.
• Degree(s) must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.
• Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, document, and maintain methods, models, and strategies.
• Evaluate and develop models using mathematical techniques.
• Demonstrate knowledge of theories and practices of Operations Research in data analysis, optimization, modeling, simulation, network analysis and decision analysis.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Operations Research/Physics/Engineering/Data Science/Computer Science/Statistics

Tools

Microsoft Office

Analytical software

Job description

Job Description

Operations Researcher (Mission-Enabling Analysis) - Entry Level (Maryland)

Fort George G. Meade Complex, MD
Pay Plan: GG , Grade: 07/1 to 09/10
Open: 2026-09-07, Close: 2026-09-21

Job Posting: 1262197

Responsibilities

In support of the National Security Agency mission, Operations Research analysts leverage analytic tools and techniques to facilitate data analysis, advanced analytic tool development, process improvement, and decision analysis. Further, Operations Research analysts support the mission by analyzing, developing, and applying mathematical/statistical or computational methods and lines of reasoning as problem-solving approaches in various studies and analyses.Operations Researchers at the Agency typically work multiple projects at any given time. In addition to supporting projects as a member of small project teams, they may lead small teams. They also assist leadership in defining new customer questions and determining the technical approaches. Analysts have the unique opportunity to hone expertise on a wide range of mathematical techniques as well as learn customer relationship development and project management basics.As an Operations Research analyst, you will plan, develop, implement, document, and maintain methods, models, and strategies. Operations Research analyst responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and developing models (using mathematical techniques)
• Demonstrating knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of Operations Research in areas such as data analysis, optimization, modeling, simulation, network analysis and decision analysis

Job Summary

NSA is actively seeking Operations Research analysts to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, and other intelligence professionals to collaborate in both long- and short-term work to enable decision making and solve mission-critical problems. To solve the problems generated by NSA's mission, Operations Research analysts draw from a wide body of mathematical knowledge, including data analysis, decision analysis, mathematical modeling, probability, statistics and more. However, the essential ingredient to the solution of a problem is often not mathematical knowledge per se, but the keen analytic ability that an analyst possesses through training and talent.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.Degree must be in Mathematics, Operations Research, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree(s) must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTALEntry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.

The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning who possesses strong communication (oral and written), problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal skills and is:

• able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
• customer and results-oriented
• detail-oriented
• able to adapt to changing requirements
• able to work effectively (independently and/or within teams) across functional areas in a professional and collaborative environment

Knowledge and experience in analytic computer software, to include the Microsoft Office suite of tools plus add-ons, is required. Knowledge and experience in artificial intelligence methods or techniques is optional but will enhance the candidate's application for this position.

Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position. Salary Range: $87,362 - $123,388 (Entry/Developmental) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience. Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). DCIPS Trial Period:If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.

Eligibility and Compliance

U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants.

NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.

All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.

NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.

DCIPS Disclaimer

**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.Veterans' PreferenceIn accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.Acceptable documentation includes:- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4); OR- Certification of Service:A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date; AND- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability; AND- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.