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Junior Operations Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The opportunity to grow from a junior analyst into larger project roles. * Hands-on experience with ... Experience with military operations research * Former U.S. Navy or Coast Guard officer * Experience ...

Operations Research Analyst

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$102K - $121K/yr

Provide daily supervision and direction to support teams and junior analysts Education/Experience Requirements: * Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mathematics, Engineering, Operations Research ...

Operations Research Analyst, SME

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Mentor junior analysts and coordinate with engineers, testers, and operators to ensure integrated ... Strong background in operations research, quantitative analysis, or related disciplines

Operations Research Analyst

Arlington, VA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Guide Junior Analysts and lead teams to produce complex analyses * Analyze environmental data and ... Bachelor's degree in operations research or related field with at least 24 semester hours in ...

Sr. Operations Research Analyst

Dayton, OH · On-site

$95K - $113K/yr

Provide direct mentorship to junior engineers in MS&A and modeling methodologies. System Modeling ... operations research analysis. Experience using a scripting language (Python, R, or similar)

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Junior Operations Research information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior operations research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior operations research in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Operations Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectJunior Operations ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field
Work EnvironmentAnalytical teams, research labs, consulting firmsBusiness, finance, marketing departments
Industry UsageSupply chain, logistics, manufacturingMarketing, finance, healthcare
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Junior Operations Research and Data Analysts both analyze data to inform decision-making, but Junior Operations Research focuses more on developing mathematical models and optimization techniques, while Data Analysts primarily interpret data trends and generate reports. The roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

More about Junior Operations Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Operations Research jobs? Cities with the most Junior Operations Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs? The most popular types of Operations Research jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Operations Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Operations Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Operations Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Operations Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Junior Operations Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Jr. Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

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 a Jr. Operations Research Analyst to support 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 in DC when necessary as well as in SPA in Alexandria, VA.
Responsibilities
The candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of our data-driven initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to contribute to data-driven research studies and apply statistical methods to analyze large and complex data sets to uncover insights and inform business decisions. Support implementation of and comply with 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. Assist in identifying, prioritizing, and executing analyses to help demonstrate and expand analytical rigor and capability. Apply 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. Assist in the development of plans of action and timetables in order to meet established deadlines. Assist in the development of briefings, memos, and contract deliverables
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelors' degree in Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline
  • 1+ 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 using repeatable and transparent analytic processes

Desired:
  • Experience providing analytical support to DHS
  • Experience with at least one coding language such as R, Python, or VBA
  • Experience building and validating a model or simulation
  • Current 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: $80K-$95K
Pay Range Information
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. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $80,000.00/Yr. - USD $95,000.00/Yr.