Military

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST -- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY

Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide ยท Department of the Air Force
๐Ÿ“ Langley AFB, Virginia GS-12 $90,838 - $140,426/yr
Posted: Jun 30, 2026 Deadline: Jul 14, 2026 (Closes in 11 days)

About This Position

The Air Force offers qualified applicants opportunities to be hired for certain occupations covered by Direct Hire Authorities (DHA). The use of DHA is a fast-track method of hiring applicants from the public with no prior federal status using a non-traditional method of recruitment. To find additional information on "What Is DHA" and to view and/or apply to current DHA opportunities listed on Air Force Civilian Service's "Direct Hire Job Board", please click here.

Qualifications

For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here. Ideal Candidate: Individuals won't just inherit models; you will originate new methodologies. Will need the quantitative mastery to apply standard and advanced operations research techniques to produce explicit, actionable findings.

You will need to design robust data collection techniques, pulling from fragmented sources to feed your simulations. Participate in, and often lead, multidisciplinary study teams, guiding projects from initial concept to final execution. You are not just a "data cruncher"; you are a strategic translator who can turn complex mathematical simulations into actionable leadership decisions.

Ideal candidate will need the ability to take a highly ambiguous leadership questions (e.g., "How do we optimize acquisition funding to improve warfighter readiness?"), design methodologies and execute studies, and translate it into plain-language briefs for senior military/civilian leadership. Basic Requirements: 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.

QUALIFICATIONS: -- Professional knowledge of a wide range of complex methods and techniques used in operations research studies to recommend those suitable for producing explicit findings and discriminating evaluations. -- Professional knowledge of and skill in applying and adapting standard approaches to gather, analyze, and evaluate information concerning complex processes, operations, or questions typified by conventional relationships. -- Skill in articulating and negotiating complex issues. -- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with customers, information sources, and project team members. -- Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques. -- Ability to use standard-type models to simulate real-world environments. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES (KSA): 1. Knowledge of a wide range of methods and techniques used in operations research studies and possession of analytical abilities.

  1. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
  2. 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.
  3. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques.
  4. Ability to design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.
  5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations.

Major Duties

Performs complete 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. Performs studies/evaluations on an individual basis or as a team member responsible for completing defined portions of an overall work effort.

Provides technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance. Performs studies/evaluations on an individual basis or as a team member responsible for completing defined portions of an overall work effort.

Accomplishes professional development and maintains technical proficiency through professional interaction with technical and professional societies, associations, academia, symposia, contractors, research and development (RandD) organizations.

Education

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. 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here.

Additional Information

Please

note: Positions in this field/series may or may not be available, depending on current manning. For the most up-to-date notifications on available positions, we recommend candidates subscribe and complete their profile here, indicating their position and location preferences. 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.

How to Apply

For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here.

Click APPLY NOW to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). The vacancy may also be viewed on LinkedIn. To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please register at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates." Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.

Required Documents

Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. For additional information on direct hire opportunities with the Air Force please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST -- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY position at Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide?
The salary range for this position is $90,838 - $140,426/yr. This is a GS-12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST -- DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY job located?
This position is located in Langley AFB, Virginia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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. 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.
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Jul 14, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.