Defense Research Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic and analytical support to customers with missions in national security to include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields of countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, nuclear non-proliferation, weapons deployment programs, and transportation safety. In addition to management and advisory services, CIG staff collaborate closely with our clients to provide high-quality modeling, simulation, software, and analytical products to meet the most demanding government standards and timelines.

We have an upcoming need for an Operations Research Analyst to provide advanced analytical support to SPA customers in the national security and homeland defense mission spaces to make better decisions. Candidates should be flexible to work both on a government site when necessary as well as in SPA facilities in Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

The Operations Research Analyst will collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute data-driven research studies, and apply statistical methods to analyze large and complex data sets to uncover insights and inform business decisions. Develop and implement data quality control processes to ensure accuracy and completeness of data, communicate findings and insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, and stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. Identify, prioritize, and execute analyses to help demonstrate and expand analytical rigor and capability. Develop and use operations research techniques such as mathematical optimization, decision analysis, graph theory, and statistical analysis. Apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Use data exploration techniques, analytical methods, operations research, and modeling and simulation tools to support program execution. Formulate problem statements, construct models, and derive solutions using qualitative and quantitative methods. Develop plans of action and timetables in order to meet established deadlines. Develop and deliver briefings, memos, and contract deliverables. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors' degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline that involves quantitative analysis
• 8+ years of operations research or related field experience
• Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain DHS Suitability
• Experience working as part of a team to solve problems
• Experience in using a repeatable, transparent analytical process from problem formulation to optimal solution

Desired:

• Experience providing analytical support to the Department of Homeland Security
• Experience with at least one coding language like R, Python, VBA
• Experience building and validating a model or simulation
• DHS Suitability

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $130K-$140K

Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $130,000.00/Yr. - USD $140,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME