Senior Operations Research Analyst

Heartland Consulting; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision & Dental Insurance

Life & Disability Coverage

Paid Holidays & PTO

401(k) with Company Match

Professional Development Support

Job summary

Heartland Consulting in the Norfolk area is seeking a Senior Operations Research Analyst to support Navy warfighting analysis, modeling, and decision-making. You will apply advanced quantitative methods to naval problems and present actionable recommendations to senior Navy and DoD leadership.

The role demands expertise in stochastic modeling, optimization, simulation, and systems analysis, with experience in Navy operations.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to apply OR methods to defense-related problems.
• Experience with Navy warfighting analysis preferred.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and conduct quantitative analyses for Navy studies.
• Apply mathematical modeling, stochastic processes, optimization, and simulation.
• Conduct statistical analysis, data collection, and probabilistic decision modeling.
• Use Python/MATLAB/R/C++ for simulation and predictive modeling.
• Develop stochastic models to evaluate performance and risk.
• Perform optimization studies for resource allocation and planning.
• Prepare written reports and briefs for leadership.
• Collaborate with Navy/DoD teams on engineering studies.

Skills

Operations Research

Stochastic modeling

Optimization

Simulation

Statistical analysis

Independent research

Clear presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Research/related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Python

MATLAB

R

C++

Job description

Senior Operations Research Analyst - Navy Warfighting Analysis

• Norfolk, VA
• Full Time

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly qualified Senior Operations Research Analyst to support Navy warfighting analysis, modeling, and decision-making. This Key Personnel role involves applying advanced mathematical, statistical, and computational methods to complex naval operational problems. The analyst will develop, evaluate, and present recommendations that directly support senior Navy and Joint decision-making on fleet readiness, systems deployment, and capability development. Candidates must have deep expertise in operations research, optimization, stochastic modeling, simulation, and systems analysis, along with experience in Navy operations.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and conduct quantitative analyses in support of Navy warfighting capability studies, modeling, and experimentation.
• Apply mathematical modeling, stochastic processes, optimization, and simulation techniques to operational problem sets.
• Conduct statistical analysis, including data collection, data cleaning, and probability-based decision modeling.
• Employ algorithms and advanced computational tools (Python, MATLAB, R, C++, etc.) for simulation and predictive modeling.
• Develop stochastic models (Markov chains, Poisson processes, queueing models, renewal processes) to evaluate operational performance and risks.
• Perform optimization studies for resource allocation, force structure, and mission support planning.
• Integrate systems analysis concepts into studies of fleet deployment, mission requirements, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and deliver written reports, decision briefs, and oral presentations for Navy and DoD leadership.
• Support the preparation of technical documentation, white papers, and analytic justifications for Navy decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional Navy and DoD teams on mission engineering, systems assessments, and capability integration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Operations Analysis, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field(Master's preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience applying operations research methods to defense-related problems, with emphasis on Navy warfighting analysis.
• Proven expertise in stochastic modeling, optimization, simulation, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in computational tools and programming languages (Python, MATLAB, R, or C++).
• Ability to conduct independent research and present findings in clear, concise formats to senior leaders.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (mandatory).

Preferred Skills & Expertise

• Experience with Navy fleet operations, systems deployment analysis, or mission effectiveness studies.
• Knowledge of DoD analytic methodologies and decision frameworks.
• Familiarity with systems engineering, cost-benefit analysis, and risk-benefit analysis for operational challenges.
• Publication or presentation record in operations research, applied mathematics, or defense analysis.
• Proficiency in advanced statistical packages and simulation platforms.

Highly Desirable Training & Certifications

• Defense Acquisition University (DAU) coursework in Operations Research and Systems Analysis.
• Formal Navy or Joint professional military education in warfighting, operations analysis, or systems integration.
• Certifications in data science, advanced analytics, or simulation modeling.

Benefits

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life & Disability Coverage
• Paid Holidays & PTO
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Professional Development Support

Heartland Consulting is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer of individuals with disabilities and veterans. We proudly do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability status. We E-Verify all employees.