Sr. Operations Research Analyst - Systems Engineering

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Health savings accounts

Retirement plans

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) is seeking an Operations Research Analyst to tackle advanced problem solving and analysis for national security projects.

The role emphasizes economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, and modeling and simulation, with experience communicating findings to diverse stakeholders. The position requires a BA/BS with 10+ years in related fields, strong MS Office skills, and an Active Secret clearance with DHS suitability.

Qualifications

• BA/BS with 10+ years of relevant experience and background in systems engineering.
• Experience in one or more of the following business areas: business process reengineering, performance management, statistical process control, etc.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in written and verbal formats.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate complex issues, develop and recommend solutions, and apply deep subject‑matter expertise to real‑world challenges.
• Focus on economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, and modeling/simulation.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and coordinate with cross‑functional teams.
• Support DHS-related program planning and oversight activities.

Skills

Economic analysis

Behavioral analysis

Data analytics

Biometric analysis

Chemical/biological defense

Radiological defense

Communication

Network systems

Modeling & simulation

Statistical analysis

Security clearance

Microsoft Office

Active Secret clearance

Education

BA/BS

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of experience, SPA provides innovative services to a range of government customers, including the Department of Defense, federal civilian agencies, and international markets. SPA’s teams collaborate to deliver results that matter.

Location

Primary place of performance: SPA Headquarters, Alexandria, VA; regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC.

Responsibilities

The Operations Research Analyst focuses on advanced problem solving and analysis within a specialized field. Responsibilities include evaluating complex issues, developing and recommending solutions, and applying deep subject‑matter expertise to real‑world challenges. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, communication and network systems, and modeling and simulation.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with 10+ years of relevant experience and background in systems engineering.
• Expertise in one or more of the following technical fields: economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, chemical/biological, radiological defense capabilities, communication and network systems.
• Background in one or more of the following business areas: business process reengineering, performance management, statistical process control, individual and organizational assessment and evaluation, process modeling and simulation, strategic and business planning, change management, organizational development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and situational awareness and decision support.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Desired Qualifications

• DHS SE Level 2, DAWIA Engineering and Technical Management Practitioner Level 2/3, and/or INCOSE certification(s).
• Experience providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support DHS technical experts.
• Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
• Active DHS Suitability.

Compensation and Benefits

VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $160,000.00 – $190,000.00 per year.

SPA offers a competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities, along with benefit programs including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, and paid/unpaid time off. Specific benefits may vary by location and eligibility.