Operations Research Analyst (Space and Intelligence Division)

JOA#: GS 2024-1515-115 (SPIN)

Overview:

Department: Department of War Agency: Office of the Secretary of War

Hiring Organization: Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation

Open Period: March 19, 2026 to April 2, 2026

Salary Range: $121,785 to $197,200 Per Year

Pay Plan & Grade: GS-13/14/15

Occupational Series: 1515 Operations Research Analyst

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Citizenship Requirement: This job is open to All US Citizens

Appointment Type: Permanent - Schedule B Excepted Service.

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No

Supervisory status: No

Promotion Potential: GS-15

Summary

CAPE is hiring and lets you have a huge impact on the Department of War! We provide objective, analysis-based advice directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War on everything that DOW does with an enormous level of impact on the US budget and national security.

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Operations Research Analyst in the Space and Intelligence Division (SPIN). The SPIN Division supports the Department of War (DoW) leadership’s decision making by providing analytic insights about the Department’s ability to achieve its priority objectives. With a focus on the space and intelligence portfolios, SPIN explores a range of potential future operating environments and military space and intelligence strategies to ensure that DoW’s resourcing plans support feasible and affordable future concepts and systems.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for conducting and supporting analyses of space and/or intelligence programs, assessing budgetary options, and examining program costs and risks. This includes using quantitative software (like R, Python, MATLAB), applying various analytical methods, and presenting findings to senior leaders.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• A degree in operations research; OR
• At least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, 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.

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Click here on the following link to view education and/or experience requirements for this position.

Click here to view occupational requirements for this position.

Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements by the closing date of the announcement. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Key Competencies:

Your experience must be relevant, and your qualifications will be evaluated based on the level of knowledge, skills, abilities in the following areas:

• Quantitative Analytics: Demonstrated ability to apply mathematical reasoning that involves designing, developing, and applying operations research, mathematical, statistical, and/or other scientific research methods. Demonstrated experience in using quantitative analytics to solve complex problems with innovative solutions sufficient to receive recognition as an authority in a particular subject. Includes ability to develop new methodologies and/or theories where current approaches are obsolete or do not support evolving directions and strategies.

• DoD Programs: Knowledge of DoD space and/or intelligence programs, including their contribution to successful accomplishment of critical DoD mission sets, such as missile warning and tracking or target custody. Knowledge of the capabilities, funding and/or personnel challenges for space and/or intelligence programs, including ground systems and collection/processing/exploitation/dissemination. Ability to quantitatively assess and create new concepts, analysis, and alternatives to improve space and/or intelligence program effectiveness.

• Influencing/Negotiating: Demonstrated ability to negotiate with internal and external groups to plan and complete complex projects.

• Building Coalitions.: Ability to collaborate with a broad spectrum of representatives, navigate bureaucracy to share/obtain information and influence outcomes, and build a professional network with other organizations.

• Communication: Ability to translate complex concepts into concise, plain language through both written and oral communications to senior officials. Must be able to explain, defend, and convey facts and ideas in a convincing manner.

• PPBES: Thorough knowledge of DoD’s Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution System, or a strategic planning and budgetary process for other large-scale organizations, and how it aligns resources with strategy.

Specialized Experience:

You must have at least one year (12 months @ 40 hours per week or equivalent) of specialized experience described for the next lower grade level.

• For GS-13: Experience conducting quantitative analytics, developing research plans, and reporting results to management and non- technical audiences.
• For GS-14: Experience formulating and conducting independent research programs; defining and selecting basic problems for investigation; interacting with individuals across organizational boundaries to reach a common understanding of issues and data; and reporting results to management and non-technical audiences
• For GS-15: Experience leading teams or providing expert consultation to senior leaders on studies and analysis and effectively communicating with senior officials, internal and external colleagues, scientific organizations and industry stakeholders. At the GS-15 level, experience with at least one space or intelligence issue is required.

Volunteer Work Experiences: You may receive credit for qualifying volunteer experience.

• Volunteer work refers to paid and unpaid experience
• Including volunteer work done through National Service Programs and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

How to Apply

Complete application on the CAPE Careers website job portal and upload the following by the close date of the announcement:

1. Resume: Maximum 2 pages, PDF format. Must detail your relevant experience and include hours worked per week and dates of employment. Do not include photos or PII. For additional information see: What-to-include in a federal resume
2. Transcripts: For all degrees/coursework from accredited institutions recognized by US Department of Education to verify educational requirements.
   1. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. However, you must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program.
3. .Veterans' Preference Documentation: (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, SF-15) if applicable. NOTE: If you are on active duty and have not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
4. SF-50: Your latest SF-50 (with all Personally Identifiable Information [Social Security Number and Birthdate] redacted) if you are a current or former federal employee.
5. Free Response Essay Questions: The online application includes an optional section to demonstrate your commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passion about the ideals of our American republic, and commitment to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. You will not be scored against your responses for this section.

How You Will be Evaluated

1. Hurdle I - Resume Review: Your resume will be reviewed by subject matter experts to determine qualifications.
2. Hurdle II – Qualifying Structured Interview: Candidates will participate in a panel interview (virtual or in-person) to further assess technical competencies. This panel interview will include in-depth questions, and/or an exercise/case study to measure your depth of knowledge in relation to the required competencies.
3. Ranking and Referral: The interview score will determine final qualification. Candidates scoring 70 or above will be referred to hiring managers via a certificate of eligibility. Veterans Preference will be applied (when applicable) to candidates scoring 70 or above after the qualifying Interviews.
4. Selection: Hiring Managers may conduct additional interviews to make their primary selection from the certificate of eligibility. You may be asked to give a presentation and/or analyze a case study. You may also be asked to participate in several rounds of interviews. Candidates remain eligible for 6 months from the certificate date.

Please visit the CAPE Careers website for more information on CAPE, our benefits and more.

Agency contact information:

Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)

Email: osd.pentagon.cape.mbx.esd-support@mail.mil
Address: 1800 Defense Pentagon, Room 3E231, Washington, DC 20301-1800

Additional Information:

Priority consideration programs will continue under their current operating procedures:

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.6.

Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.7.

Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist

Schedule B Excepted Service Public Notice: Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted, and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

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.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, click here.

Employment Eligibility Verification: Washington Headquarters Services uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability
New employee probationary period
Privacy Act
Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service
Signature and false statements
Social security number request