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OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Department of the Air Force
U.S. Northern Command

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Lead Experimentation Officer for the J8 Requirements, Resources and Analysis Directorate, in the Science and Technology (S&T) Division. The employee will be responsible for establishing, organizing, managing and executing a command-wide Experimentation Program to address NORAD and USNORTHCOM's (N&NC) capability gaps. (cont'd in "Duties" section)

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/07/2026 to 01/21/2026
Salary
$129,096 to - $167,830 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14
Location
FEW vacancies in the following location:
Peterson AFB, CO
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
6X-AFPC-12857538-046603-JTG
Control number
853694700

Duties

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Continued from "Summary" section: The incumbent independently performs duties on behalf of the J8 Director with only broad policy direction concerning overall program priorities and objectives where no precedence exists. Develops Joint and Multi-national experiments to align with US Department of Defense (DOD) and Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) future warfighting concepts, technology development, and long-range future capabilities development plans that have a direct impact on national security and are of international significant to the US and Canada. The Lead Experimentation Officer will plan, organize, and direct the activities of Joint multi-functional teams comprised of members from each Joint Directorate in N&NC to conduct, synchronize, and assess experiments in the Commands' regional and National Level Exercises (NLE). Position requires specialized technical and analytical skills, independent research abilities for problem solving, superior oral and written communication skills, and extensive knowledge of DOD and Canadian experimentation processes.

Duties:

  • Directs the development and recurring update of the N&NC Experimentation Program Roadmap.
  • Integrates and executes experiments into N&NC exercises and other Command sponsored events. Directs the efforts of experimentation team to accelerate the development and application of alternative approaches and innovated capabilities in order to close shortfalls identified in the Commands' Annual Joint Assessment.
  • Leads technical analysis and evaluation of experiments, and develops recommendations. Leads and performs analysis and evaluation of N&NC's Experimentation Program.
  • Leads flag officer and SES-level reviews.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
  • If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
  • Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position. Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
  • A Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in mathematics, computer science, one of the physical sciences, or an engineering discipline is required.
  • A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an engineering discipline is desired, but not required.
  • Overtime may be required as work demands. May be required to travel up to 25% of the time by regularly scheduled passenger military or commercial aircraft in performance of duties (TDY).
  • A Top Secret/Special Sensitive clearance is required for this position. The employee is required to possess and maintain a Top Secret/Special Sensitive as a condition of employment. (cont.)
  • Per AFGM2017-36-04, dated 4 Oct 17, the investigative requirement CANNOT be waived for special sensitive positions.
  • This position is designated by the Air force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, (cont.)
  • the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP.
  • In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
  • This position has been identified as eligible for situational telework. The position eligibility is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility. Telework for civilian employees is a discretionary workplace flexibility, (cont.)
  • not an entitlement. Employee and their supervisor must complete the DD Form 2946, DoD Telework Agreement, prior to participation in telework programs. Civilian employees who will telework must (cont.)
  • complete the required training within 30 days of appointment. Under DODI 1035.01_DAFI36-816, Telework Program, a civilian employee's telework agreement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request.
  • This position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations. (cont.)
  • Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions.

BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:

Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.


Evaluation of Education: The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.

Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.
(Note: you must submit a copy of official school transcripts).

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-13, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes mastery of concepts, principles and practices of systems engineering or computer science, and a knowledge of agency policies and practices relative to these disciplines to serve as technical expert and manager. Professional experience of remaining fields to address problems and determine adequacy of recommendations. Experience of computer engineering and systems integration to assure effective technical management through a rapid approach to capability development, and that all subsystems and components are complementary to and supportive of broader architectures. Experience of Government and agency policies and practices relative to systems engineering and developmental and operational test matters. Broad technical knowledge and skills are required to lead team efforts and guide technical programs. Mastery of the regulations, policies and practices of the formal DOD, Canadian DND, and Services joint experimentation, technology development and program acquisition processes to formulate and direct N&NC policies, plans, procedures, processes, and initiatives to identify, document, approve, and evaluate N&NC endorsed experiments. Lead multi-disciplined, multi-national teams through complex issues to advance capabilities for the homeland defense mission and to properly equip operational military forces, often in the absence of official policy or precedence. Must be able to autonomously develop technical determinations, develops courses of actions, and independently pursue resolution of technical problems in homeland defense future capabilities and strategic planning for the DOD and Canadian DND in an environment containing uncertainties involving the legislative authorities, and scope of the homeland defense resulting from intense Congressional, media, and public interest.
(NOTE: YOUR RESUME MUST SUPPORT THIS STATEMENT)

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-13 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge in joint experimentation, and DOD Test and Evaluation. Knowledge in the field of Systems Engineering. Knowledge of policies and procedures for aerospace operations in the U.S. national and international airspace, and maritime operations in U.S. littorals and territorial seas. Skill in broad senior leader perspective, combined with effective communication and understanding of advanced analytical techniques.

2. Ability to communicate orally by way of presentations and briefings to the highest DOD and national agency heads, and in writing by way of formal authoritative DOD, national agency, and Congressional policy and requirements documents. Ability to work in a multi-functional and multi-mission environment involving routine interaction with General Officer and senior executive management levels up to agency heads of the congressional staffs, DOD, and other national agencies such as the DHS, Transportation Security Agency, and Federal Aviation Administration, national laboratories and with corporate senior executive Vice President leaders of industry on issues directly impacting national defense.

3. Ability to independently analyze and assess complex systems and operational requirements issues in an environment of uncertainty and continuous change, involving the legislation, authorities, policy, and scope of programs resulting from intense Congressional interest and which have potential for political and public controversy and impact.

4. Ability to independently, and with latitude, plan, organize and prioritize time-critical projects and assess results of individuals, teams, or organizations dealing with unprecedented factual issues (e.g., stemming from the newness or scope and complexity of the projects, unprecedented departure from previous practices, or intergovernmental requirements) which require the creation of program innovations, concepts, or principles.

5. Ability to articulate a position, advocate and persuade others on complex matters and issues critical to national security, and motivate a team of peers to complete complex tasks in support of the organizational mission. Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.

For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here.

APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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