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Operations Research Analyst

Department of Energy
Department of Energy - Agency Wide
Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER)

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, Department of Energy. As a Operations Research Analyst, you will provide expert analysis and technically authoritative guidance to originate and perform mathematical, statistical, economic, and/or other analysis projects pertaining to the energy sector, an energy sub-sector, scientific research, and/or national security, and to maintain and enhance models for use in simulation studies.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/15/2026 to 05/21/2026
Salary
$121,785 - $187,093 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13 - 14
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
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 and if funding is available.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Q Access Authorization
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
26-CR-12962031-IMP
Control number
869405000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all current Department of Energy (including employees of BPA, WAPA, SEPA, SWPA, NNSA) employees on a career or career-conditional competitive service appointment.

Duties

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The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response office works to strengthen the security and resilience of the U.S. energy sector from cyber, physical, and climate-based risks and disruptions.

We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy



As a Operations Research Analyst, you will:

GS-13:
  • Design, formulate, execute, coordinate, and document a broad range of analyses related to the energy sector, scientific research, and national security, aiming for meaningful conclusions.
  • Identify research areas, form hypotheses, develop new approaches, and advise management on appropriate analytical designs and interpretations.
  • Plan and execute quality control programs, selecting suitable research methods, identifying data inadequacies, and developing procedures to modify or oversee data modification for research and development.
  • Technical expert and may lead projects, having responsibility for planning, coordinating teams, and managing communication, as well as defining research questions, selecting databases, and developing analysis plans.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports, presenting results to the scientific community at meetings and conferences, and briefing study sponsors and high-level officials on progress and conclusions.
  • Apply various mathematical, statistical, and economic analysis methods to develop complex models and simulate real-world environments with multiple variables.
GS-14:
  • Initiate, design, perform, and document analysis assignments related to current and projected studies and projects within the energy sector, scientific research, and national security, applying innovative analytical techniques.
  • Evaluate new technologies and policies, and develop/maintain models and simulation techniques, and computer programs to enhance operations research tools and provide guidelines for other analysts.
  • Serve as a project leader, overseeing project planning, team coordination, and communication for research and development projects, including defining objectives, selecting databases, executing analysis, and disseminating findings.
  • Offer expert analysis and technically authoritative guidance on mathematical, statistical, economic, and other analysis projects, advising high-level managers on the effects of different policies and options.
  • Originate new programs, techniques, studies, and approaches, as well as innovative mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and approaches to accomplish assigned projects.
  • Prepare and disseminate comprehensive reports of study results through various venues, including publications, journals, and presentations at professional meetings.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
  • If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
  • If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities.
  • This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
  • GS-14: You are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of entering the position and annually.
  • This position has been designated as Critical Sensitive/High Risk and requires a security clearance at Q Access. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.
  • Occasional Travel may be required.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

  1. Designing and conducting complex analytical studies using mathematical, statistical, and modeling techniques to investigate significant problems or evaluate various solutions.
  2. Managing or contributing to the planning and execution of analytical projects, including defining project scope, selecting methods, and coordinating tasks to achieve project objectives.
  3. Developing and applying quantitative models and simulation tools to analyze intricate systems, forecast outcomes, or assess performance for decision-making purposes.

GS-14 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

  1. Develop or validate models and simulation tools for forecasting, optimization, or evaluating system performance.
  2. Lead or manage the full lifecycle of analytical projects, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, executing analysis, and interpreting results.
  3. Initiate, design, and perform comprehensive analytical studies using mathematical, statistical, and/or econometric methods.


"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

Time-in-Grade:
Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ALL GRADE LEVELS:

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.

This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

Additional information

  • New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
  • If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
  • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates.
  • Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.
  • Equal employment opportunity policy.
  • Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
  • Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses
  • Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/
  • The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.
  • 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.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement, as demonstrated in your application and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application or cheating on the assessment may result in removal from consideration. Responses to assessments must be prepared solely by the applicant. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot) to draft, edit, or generate responses is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from consideration.

Your application will be assessed based on your responses to an online job knowledge assessment. For applicants applying under Merit Promotion or VEOA procedures, your score on this assessment will determine if you are considered a 'best qualified' candidate. The online job knowledge assessment primarily consists of multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate your understanding of key concepts relevant to this position.

Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following competencies. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the competencies identified below. Use specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position.

  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Technical Competence
  • Writing


Non-competitive Procedures: If you are applying under a non-competitive or special hiring authority, you will still be required to complete the assessment. However, you will not be evaluated against the rating and ranking criteria. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you are minimally qualified for this job. Veterans' Preference will be applied when required by the hiring authority (e.g., VRA, Schedule A).
Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.

All qualified Non-competitive applicants and the best qualified Merit Promotion and VEOA applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date ( 05/21/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12962031.

Department of Energy - Agency Wide

Agency contact information

Jayme Wells
Phone
202-731-8307
Email
Jayme.wells@hq.doe.gov
Address
Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response
Department of Energy
Human Capital Shared Service Center
1000 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20585
US

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