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Operations Research Analyst information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$45K

$105.9K

$140.6K

How much do operations research analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research analyst in Silver Spring, MD is $105,922.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,800.00 and $120,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Operations Research Analysts?

Operations Research Analysts are professionals who use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help organizations solve problems and make better decisions. They analyze complex systems, gather data, and develop models to improve processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Their work is essential in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, finance, and government. By leveraging techniques like statistical analysis, optimization, and simulation, Operations Research Analysts provide actionable insights to support strategic and operational planning.

Is operation research a good career?

Operations Research Analysts apply mathematical modeling and analytical methods to help organizations solve complex problems and improve decision-making. The field offers strong job growth, competitive salaries, and opportunities across industries such as logistics, healthcare, and finance. Success typically requires skills in statistics, programming, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant degree or certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Research Analyst, you need strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, typically supported by a degree in operations research, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with statistical analysis software, optimization tools like CPLEX or Gurobi, and programming languages such as Python or R is commonly required. Effective communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help translate complex data into actionable recommendations for stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for delivering data-driven solutions that improve organizational efficiency and decision-making.

What are some common challenges Operations Research Analysts face when translating analytical findings into actionable business strategies?

Operations Research Analysts often encounter challenges in communicating complex quantitative findings to stakeholders who may not have technical backgrounds. Bridging the gap between advanced mathematical models and practical business decisions requires strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the organization's objectives. Additionally, analysts may face resistance to change when proposing new, data-driven strategies, so being able to justify recommendations with clear, accessible insights is crucial. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams helps ensure solutions are both technically sound and aligned with operational realities.

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

AspectOperations Research AnalystData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in operations research, mathematics, or related field; often certifications in analytics or optimizationBachelor's degree in statistics, mathematics, or related field; certifications in data analysis or visualization
Work EnvironmentCorporate, government, or consulting firms focusing on optimization and decision-makingBusiness, marketing, finance, or healthcare sectors analyzing data trends
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking to improve operational efficiency and decision processesCompanies aiming to interpret data for strategic insights and reporting

Operations Research Analysts focus on optimizing complex systems and decision-making processes using mathematical models, while Data Analysts interpret data to identify trends and support business decisions. Both roles require analytical skills and often similar educational backgrounds, but their core functions differ in scope and application.

How much do operations research analysts make in the US?

Operations research analysts in the US earn a median annual salary of around $85,000, with salaries typically ranging from $60,000 to $120,000 depending on experience, education, and location. They often use analytical tools and mathematical modeling to improve organizational efficiency and decision-making.

What Is an Operations Research Analyst?

An operations research analyst works with a company to analyze relevant data to improve business operations. Their primary duties involve setting goals, identifying potential problems, gathering pertinent information, and then using a variety of analytical methods to come up with solutions. The job requires strong analytical skills as well as the ability to think critically. Additional qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in operations research or management science, although many employers prefer a master’s degree. Those interested in a career as an operations research analyst must have research experience in an office setting.

What do operations research analysts do?

Operations research analysts use mathematical models, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to solve complex problems related to logistics, resource allocation, and process efficiency. They analyze data to improve decision-making and often work with specialized software tools. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of programming or modeling languages are essential for this role.

Is a research analyst a good career?

Operations Research Analysts analyze data and develop models to improve decision-making and efficiency in organizations. The role typically requires strong analytical skills, proficiency with software tools like Excel or specialized modeling programs, and often a relevant degree such as operations research, mathematics, or engineering. It is considered a stable career with opportunities for advancement in various industries such as logistics, healthcare, and finance.
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Operations Research Analyst jobs near you
Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$99K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 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 War, Interagency Division 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.
Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics, and operations research/system analysis support to the national security mission. As a leader in the fields of campaign, mission, and wargaming analysis we embrace the cycle of research paradigm, continually seeking to improve the multi-method application of tools, data, methods, and techniques to generate credible and resilient insights to inform decisions on the Department's most challenging issues spanning CONOPs, acquisitions, force structures, tactics, and strategies. Group W is the developer and maintainer of the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM), the authoritative M&S tool accepted by the Joint Analytic Community for analysis of theater-level, multi-domain, joint warfare. Similarly, we developed and manage the Standard Wargame Integration and Facilitation Tool (SWIFT) for OSW as an adaptable environment to support joint force combatants' wargaming requirements.
SPA has an immediate need for an Operations Research Analyst (STORM Developer/Analyst) to support the OSW client onsite out of Alexandria, VA.
Responsibilities
The Operations Research Analyst will employ knowledge of modeling/operations research techniques to inform a variety of Department of War (DoW) focused analyses and wargames using a range of software tools. The analyst will apply their skills to solve highly complex problems using statistical analysis, parametric and non-parametric analysis, computer modeling, simulation, and regression analysis. Will be responsible for developing and executing analytical models and methods that support warfighting analyses spanning the DoW analysis challenges including capability trades, systems trades, and force structure analyses. Will be responsible for developing and executing campaign-level representations in STORM and analyses of U.S., allied, and adversary forces executing warfighting concepts of operation.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, or other technically-related areas of study
  • 1+ year of experience in the analysis, development, and implementation of software, study planning, and execution
  • Strong desire to expand modeling, simulation, and analysis expertise
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Able to work full-time at the OSW client site (Arlington, VA - Mark Center, Pentagon)

Desired:
  • Master's degree
  • Experience or familiarity with the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM)
  • Experience working with Python, R, MySQL/DuckDB, C++

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