CWMD Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

JOID assists the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in developing leading edge technologies to counter WMD in support of CCMDs and transitioning these technologies to military services and COCOMs. SPA provides expertise across the full range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) WMD, Counter Improvised Threat and Countering Threat Network technologies to support understanding, detection, identification, characterization, denial, control, disabling, defeating, disposing, safeguarding the force, managing consequences, and test and evaluation in support of military and civilian operations.

Systems Planning and Analysis has an immediate need for a CWMD Operations Research Analyst to provide on-site support in Reston, VA.

The candidate will use large data sets to find opportunities for product and process optimization and use models to test the effectiveness of different courses of action. Responsibilities include: participating in the design, planning, development, and documentation of all analysis and assessments, developing and applying a variety of operations research techniques, including mathematical optimization, statistical modeling, simulation, queuing theory, game theory, and predictive analytics to solve complex defense-related problems. Apply advanced statistical techniques such as regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and time-series analysis to derive actionable insights from complex data sets, performing risk analysis, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty quantification to assess the robustness and reliability of models and predictions. Advise and assist on how to best model key indicators, combinations of indicators, and sensing modalities to reduce false alarms and predict the likelihood of exposure. Help to evaluate algorithm fidelity and connectivity, identify significant factors and fundamental relationships, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions. Develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. Prepare detailed technical reports and white papers that document methodologies, findings, assumptions, results, and recommendations for leadership and other stakeholders. Create clear and intuitive visualizations (e.g., graphs, charts, heat maps) to present analytical results and trends in a comprehensible manner, tailored to the audience's level of expertise. Develop and deliver presentations to senior decision-makers and stakeholders summarizing analytical findings, implications, and recommended courses of action.

Work is onsite in Reston, VA. Travel required up to 25%. Due to the nature of this work, remote/telework is not feasible and is only authorized on occasion by exception.

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field with five or more years of non-academic experience (an advanced degree may be considered in partial fulfillment of additional years of experience).
• Expertise in applying operations research methodologies (optimization, simulation, statistical modeling) to complex, large datasets.
• Must have excellent personal initiative, professional savviness, and interpersonal communication skills: the successful candidate will join a cross-functional team of interdisciplinary technical SMEs supporting DTRA program managers, performers, and customers in the development, demonstration, and transition of advantageous capabilities.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to research, learn, and advise on new areas of knowledge.
• Experience developing analytic tools for data analysis to include mining, cleaning, organizing, management, and integration.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate complex technical subjects to technical and non-technical decision-makers.
• Ability to break down complex unstructured problems, lay out objective approaches, and develop rigorous analytic solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with an emphasis on product development.
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with the ability to receive and maintain a TS/SCI.

Desired:

• Master's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Prior military and operational experience.
• Linguistic capabilities and/or translation experience.
• Experience in logistics and/or supply chain.
• Familiarity with research and development.
• Project management experience.