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Director Operations Research Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

1 point system

Data Research Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Operations. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: * Ability to onboard quickly (within 2-4 weeks) and take ... Strong work ethic; self-directed and self-motivated with a developed curiosity and drive for ...

IMC

Equity Research Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

Here your decisions have direct impact on the company's trading profits and we are a place where ... research team Your Skills and Experience: * 1+ years' experience as an equity analyst/associate ...

IMC

Equity Research Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Here your decisions have direct impact on the company's trading profits and we are a place where ... research team Your Skills and Experience: * 1+ years' experience as an equity analyst/associate ...

Neuberger Berman

Senior Research Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

This role will report to the Director of Research for the Global Investment Grade Credit team and ... Analyzing financial statements, business risk, market technicals, and relative value to generate ...

The University of Chicago

Senior Research Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $120K/yr

The Senior Analyst will report to Professor Pedram Hassanzadeh, Faculty Director of AI for Climate. This role is integral to the research on training, running, and evaluating AI models; generating ...

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All JobsOperations Research Analyst JobsDirector Operations Research Analyst JobsDirector Operations Research Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Operations Research Analyst information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.8K

$105.5K

$140.1K

How much do director operations research analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operations research analyst in Chicago, IL is $105,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director operations research analyst?

Director Operations Research Analysts are senior professionals who lead teams in using mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to help organizations solve complex problems and improve decision-making. They oversee research projects, collaborate with stakeholders to identify operational challenges, and design data-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. These directors also manage and mentor analysts, ensuring the team delivers actionable insights aligned with organizational goals. Their work often spans industries such as logistics, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director operations research analyst?

To thrive as a Director Operations Research Analyst, you need advanced analytical skills, a background in mathematics or engineering, and typically a master’s or doctoral degree in operations research or a related field. Expertise in statistical analysis software, optimization tools (such as CPLEX or Gurobi), and data management systems is commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and presenting complex findings to stakeholders. These skills enable strategic decision-making and drive organizational efficiency through data-driven insights.

How does a director operations research analyst typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Director of Operations Research Analyst often works closely with teams across multiple departments, such as finance, logistics, IT, and strategy, to identify operational challenges and develop data-driven solutions. They lead cross-functional meetings, translate complex analytical findings into actionable recommendations, and ensure alignment between research initiatives and organizational goals. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential, as the director must bridge the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders to drive impactful decision-making.

What is the difference between Director Operations Research Analyst vs Operations Research Analyst?

AspectDirector Operations Research AnalystOperations Research Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in operations research, mathematics, or related field; often requires experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or master's in operations research, mathematics, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with senior managementAnalyzes data, develops models, and supports decision-making
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, government agencies, and consulting firmsCommon in manufacturing, logistics, finance, and consulting

The main difference is that a Director Operations Research Analyst typically oversees teams and strategic projects, requiring leadership experience, while an Operations Research Analyst focuses on data analysis and modeling to support decisions. Both roles require similar technical skills and education but differ in scope and responsibility.

Does operations research pay well?

Operations research analysts typically earn competitive salaries, with median pay above the national average for all occupations. Salaries vary based on experience, education, industry, and location, and professionals often use analytical tools and advanced degrees to increase earning potential.

Is a director operations research analyst a good career?

A director operations research analyst is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing research and analytical strategies to improve organizational efficiency. It typically requires advanced skills in data analysis, modeling, and management, often supported by a master's or doctoral degree. The role offers high-level responsibility, competitive compensation, and opportunities in various industries such as government, consulting, and technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Operations Research Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Operations Research Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Operations Research Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Operations Research Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Operations Research Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Operations Research Analyst jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Operations Research Analyst job openings:

Director Operations Research Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Operations Research Analyst job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,550 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Operations Research Analyst

U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command

North Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary
About the Position: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for STEM Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
This position will be filled on a permanent basis.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • As an Operations Research Analyst, you will:
  • Lead, conduct, and communicate results of analytical studies that contribute to Command decision making and problem solving concerning current and future operations.
  • Utilize highly technical and state-of-the-art operations research/system analysis tools.
  • Implement operations research methodologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Command.
  • Advise Command on principles and best practices in military operations and system compatibility.
  • Develop and apply policies, practices, procedures, and methods for operational assessment.
  • Develop, analyze, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of work methods, processes, procedures, manpower utilization, data mapping, and management controls using mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position has been designated as non-sensitive and requires a personnel security investigation.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher 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.
AND
Experience Required:
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Specialized Experience: To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must clearly describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled including: Conducting analytical studies to support management decision making; Applying operational research and system analysis principles and methods to daily work assignments; Evaluating information concerning organizational effectiveness and systems analysis; Preparing reports and analytical studies contributing to implementing and transitioning of a wide-range of military concepts and visions; Developing custom analysis tools in a variety of programming languages and applications (i.e. Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SQL, etc.). This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-11).
OR
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you may qualify if your education meets the definitions below:
Education Substitution for Specialized Experience for GS-12 (Research Position): Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
Combination of Experience and Education Substitution for Specialized Experience for GS-12: If you have some, but not all, of the experience or education described above, you may still qualify by combining the amount of creditable experience and education that you possess. To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education in excess of 36 hours (total semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts).
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
In order to qualify for this position, based on your education, education substitution, or combination of education and experience, you must have either completed the education requirement, or will complete this requirement within thirty (30) days from the closing date of this announcement. If you will not complete this requirement within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement, you will be rated as Not Qualified for this position.
You must provide appropriate documentation to reflect when you will meet the education requirement. Appropriate documentation includes: (1) Resume indicating your projected completion/graduation date; OR (2) Transcripts indicating your projected completion/graduation date; OR (3) A letter signed by the institution's registrar indicating your projected completion/graduation date.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Science, Engineering and Analysis Career Field position.
  • Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be authorized if determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Govenment and requirements are met.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

NOTE: On 4 October 2026, the US Military Processing Command (USMEPCOM) will officially align under the Department of War, transitioning from Department of the Army's oversight. Under this realignment, all current and future USMEPCOM personnel will transition into the Department of War (DoW) workforce. This structural realignment is a strategic update to ensure the USMEPCOM's joint-service processing mission is directly integrated with the highest levels of national defense readiness under the Department of War (DoW).
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information
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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.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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