Senior Data Specialist, S5SB

Office of Chief of Space Operations; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Chief of Space Operations is seeking a Senior Data Specialist to support Space Force strategic analysis and force assessment. The role focuses on gathering and cleaning data, building advanced analyses, and delivering data-driven briefings for senior leadership.

The ideal candidate combines expertise in data analysis, operations research, and program analysis with proficiency in tools like Python, SQL, Tableau, and Excel to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations

Qualifications

• Background in data analysis, operations research or program analysis in a DoD HQ environment.
• Ability to synthesize information and present data-driven recommendations.
• Strong skills in creating visualizations and written/oral briefings.

Responsibilities

• Gather, clean, and analyze force structure data from across the DoD.
• Develop data-driven insights to inform Space Force strategy and resourcing.
• Translate findings into defendable briefings and compelling visualizations for senior leaders.
• Support senior action officer responsibilities on a 4-star level staff.

Skills

Data analysis

Operations research

Program analysis

DoD HQ experience

Excel

PowerPoint

Python

SQL

Tableau

Qlik

Tools

Python

SQL

Tableau

Qlik

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Headquarters Space Force Command (HQSF) at The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia is searching for a Senior Data Specialist to support S5SB (NH-0343-04, GS 14/15 equivalent).

Description: The USSF Force Structure Division (S5F) within the Deputy CSO for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements (HQSF/S5/8) is responsible for assessing the current "Programmed Force," analyzing the gap to the future "Objective Force," and conducting the annual multi-service Space Risk Assessment. The USSF Senior Data Analyst will be a foundational expert in this division, responsible for providing the data-driven insights that inform the Space Force's most critical strategy, requirements, and resourcing decisions.

The selectee will gather, clean, and analyze force structure data from across the DoD; employ dynamic analytic tools to identify trends, gaps, and risks; and, most importantly, translate complex findings into defendable briefings and compelling visualizations for senior leaders. This position requires the maturity and poise to conduct senior action officer responsibilities on a 4-star level staff. The ideal candidate is an expert in data analysis who can thrive in a collaborative environment, working with mission area experts, operators, and planners. Ability to employ advanced data analysis tools that leverage data obtained from model-based systems engineering methods a must. Knowledge of AI/LLMs for data assessment and report generation is highly desired. Experience with modeling and simulation tools and knowledge of mission engineering principles are preferred but not required.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a background in data analysis, operations research, program analysis, or a related field, with experience working in a Department of Defense operational or headquarters environment. They must be a skilled staff officer capable of synthesizing information from multiple sources and presenting data-driven recommendations. The ability to assess complex data and translate the outcomes into effective visualizations and written/oral communications is essential. The candidate must be skilled and comfortable with a range of software applications, including Microsoft Office suite of tools (e.g., Excel and PowerPoint), and should have experience with more advanced data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Qlik). Experience with modeling and simulation tools or as a developer is preferred but not required. Knowledge of Mission Engineering is desired but not required.

Key Skills and Abilities

• 1. The candidate will have a background in data analysis, operations research, program analysis, or a related field, with experience working in a Department of Defense operational or headquarters environment. They must be a skilled staff officer capable of synthesizing information from multiple sources and presenting data-informed and derived recommendations for Space Force senior leadership decision-making.
• 2. The candidate must be skilled and comfortable with a range of software applications, including Microsoft Office suite of tools, and should have knowledge of appropriate application of more advanced data analysis tools (e.g., Python, SQL, Tableau, Qlik) for assessing complex data and translating the outcomes into effective visualizations.
• 3. The candidate will have extensive knowledge and skill in qualitative and qualitative methods for assessing force structure as it pertains to the appropriate mix, size, and composition of forces, capabilities, and infrastructure required to meet strategic objectives and operational demands.
• 4. The candidate will possess the abili