Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Operations Research Analyst-DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Department of the Air Force
Air Force Materiel Command

Summary

Veterans' preference does not apply to DHA recruitment.

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information.

The primary purpose of this position is to perform professional and scientific work requiring the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical,
statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques for various weapons systems and provide advice and insight about the probable effects of alternative courses of action.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/29/2026 to 05/13/2026
Salary
$89,508 - $138,370 per year

Salary listed is Eglin AFB, if you are selected for a different location your salary is dependent upon that duty location."

Pay scale & grade
NH 3
Locations
FEW vacancies in the following locations:
Edwards AFB, CA
Eglin AFB, FL
Holloman AFB, NM
Nellis AFB, NV
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
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
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
AFMC-151503-12949000-
Control number
867134000

This job is open to

Help

Clarification from the agency

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection

Duties

Help

  • Performs complete weapons systems studies of limited scope or portions of larger projects, modifying/adapting techniques to fit situations, some requiring innovative approaches.
  • Utilizes scientific inquiry in the development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems.
  • Provides technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance.
  • Attends meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts.
  • Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency through professional interaction with technical and professional societies, associations, academia, symposia, contractors, research and development (R&D) organizations by reading/reviewing technical journals and current literature, and participation in formal training programs.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guidance
  • Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
  • For more information on Acq Demo please go to DoD AcqDemo Homepage http://acqdemo.hci.mil/ and Fact Sheet http://acqdemo.hci.mil/faq.html
  • Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
  • Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
  • Employee must maintain current certifications
  • This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
  • Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments
  • All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
  • 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.
  • Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
  • Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
  • This position is designated as an acquisition position covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Work requires the appropriate APDP certification, i.e., Level 2 or 3 in an area such as Test and Evaluation (TE)
  • Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, at least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.
  • Work may occasionally require travel TDY away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.

Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Operations Research Series 1515 located here.

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.

The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.

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 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience includes utilizing a wide range of principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for this role is a highly analytical and resourceful problem-solver with a strong quantitative background in mathematics, statistics, operations research, or a related field. They are a clear and confident communicator, capable of conveying complex technical findings to diverse audiences through both written reports and verbal presentations.
We are seeking an individual who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and is adept at managing shifting priorities across a variety of projects. This candidate is not deterred by ambiguity or incomplete datasets; rather, they are an innovative thinker who excels at thinking "outside of the box" to develop creative and effective solutions to challenging problems.



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 of weapons systems and a wide range of methods and techniques used in operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities.
    2. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
    3. Ability to participate in study teams; originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
    4. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques.
    5. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.
    6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations.

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

ARE YOU USING YOUR 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

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection.

This job announcement may close at any time - apply now!

This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-03 equivalent to a GS-12 to GS-13.

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

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

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.

Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The 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.

Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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.

Air Force Materiel Command

The mission of the United States Air Force is: To fly, fight, and win ... Airpower anytime, anywhere. To achieve that mission, the Air Force has a vision of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power. That vision orbits around three core competencies: Developing Airmen, Technology-to-Warfighting and Integrating Operations. Core competencies and distinctive capabilities are based on a shared commitment to three core values -- integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide:

  • US Citizen

Agency contact information

Air Force Test Center Recruitment
Email
AFTC.Enterprise.Recruiting@us.af.mil
Address
AF Test Center
6437 6th Street
Bldg 430, Rm 119
Hill AFB, UT 84056
US

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.