Military Operations Research 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 War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War (DoW), 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 Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the DoW. These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM.  SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Sr. Military Operations Analyst to provide onsite support out of Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an exceptionally experienced, strategic-minded professional dedicated to advanced technical, operational, and adversary-informed analysis. The candidate will lead complex, unstructured, and time-critical efforts across multiple programs, shaping analytic agendas and producing high-impact results. Will lead analyses, assessments, and workshops that integrate technical, operational, and programmatic factors across DoW and IC. This includes directing Red Teaming activities, designing and leading wargames, developing operational and tactical CONOPS, and producing senior-level decision support products. Lead cross-functional, high-performance teams conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform senior decision makers at the highest levels of government, including the Secretary of War, Congress, Joint Staff, and the White House. Manage multiple concurrent efforts, frequently under constrained timelines, while guiding junior analysts, coordinating with external partners, and ensuring analytic excellence. Tasks may align with the individual's deep expertise-particularly in undersea warfare, adversary strategy, scenario development, technology assessment, and classification policy-but will also require rapid mastery of new subject matter areas. Successful candidates will be entrusted with significant leadership responsibility, client engagement, and stewardship of major analytic portfolios.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of experience in military operations planning, execution, assessment, wargaming, or advanced operations research
• Demonstrated leadership of large, complex analytic projects, including Red Teaming, adversary strategy analysis, and multi-agency coordination
• Deep expertise in one or more warfighting domains, with substantial specialized experience in undersea warfare, naval operations, or adversary emulation
• Demonstrated ability to produce concise, well-written, senior-level analytic products and briefings
• Experience engaging senior stakeholders, including SES/Flag-level leadership
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

 Desired:

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Security Studies, Operations Research, National Security Studies, Engineering)
• Graduate-level military education (e.g., Service Command and Staff College)
• Demonstrated experience:
  • Leading advanced Operations Research Analysis and wargames at the campaign, mission, or engagement level
  • Applying intelligence on near-peer adversary capabilities to support operational planning, analysis, or programmatic decision-making
  • Developing operational and tactical scenarios for major DoW or Navy programs
  • Leading Red Team activities and conducting adversary-focused strategic assessments
  • Working on headquarters staff within OSW, Joint Staff, or Service staff organizations
  • Supporting DoW Requirements, Acquisition, or Science and Technology development processes
  • Serving as a senior technical writer/editor on complex, multi-stakeholder deliverables
  • Managing multi-year research portfolios, performer organizations, and subcontractor teams

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 $145,000.00/Yr. - USD $195,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME