1

Operations Research Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Operations Research Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former ... Degree in Operations Research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Operations Research Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$38.2K

$93K

$149.7K

How much do operations research manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research manager in Virginia is $93,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectOperations Research ManagerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or related fields; often certifications in project managementBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; certifications like Microsoft Excel or Tableau
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, manufacturing, or logistics settings; managing teams and projectsIn offices or remote; analyzing data sets and creating reports
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and consulting firmsCommon across finance, marketing, healthcare, and tech industries

While both roles involve data analysis, Operations Research Managers focus on optimizing complex systems and processes using advanced mathematical models, often leading teams. Data Analysts primarily interpret data to support decision-making through reports and visualizations. The roles overlap in data skills but differ in scope and strategic impact.

How do Operations Research Managers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Operations Research Managers frequently work closely with teams from departments such as IT, finance, logistics, and production to identify operational challenges and develop data-driven solutions. They lead or participate in project meetings, translate complex analytical findings into actionable recommendations, and ensure that proposed models align with business objectives. Effective communication and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly are essential, as these managers serve as a bridge between analytical experts and decision-makers. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures the successful implementation of optimization strategies.

What are Operations Research Managers?

Operations Research Managers are professionals who oversee teams that use mathematical modeling, data analysis, and optimization techniques to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. They often manage projects that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and finance. These managers translate business challenges into analytical models and guide their teams in implementing solutions that support organizational goals.

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

To thrive as an Operations Research Manager, you need advanced analytical skills, a solid grasp of mathematical modeling, and typically a master's or Ph.D. in operations research, mathematics, or a related field. Proficiency in optimization software, statistical analysis tools (such as MATLAB, R, or Python), and experience with data visualization systems is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout managers apart by enabling them to lead teams and explain complex findings to stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for making data-driven decisions that optimize organizational efficiency and competitive advantage.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Operations Research jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Operations Research Manager jobs in Virginia? For Operations Research Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Operations Research Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Operations Research Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Research Manager job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 76% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,000 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Military Sealift Command

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote

$51K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Military Sealift Command rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 45 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • You will serve as an Operations Research Analyst ORA) applying state-of-the-art and information technology techniques.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.

Qualifications
Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
EXPERIENCE WITH RESEARCH METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND REPORTING METHODS IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY CONDUCT COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS, EVALUATE TECHNICAL INFORMATION, ORGANIZE AND PRESENT VERBAL AND WRITTEN RESEARCH ANALYTICAL REPORTS. EXPERIENCE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF WORK MEASUREMENT AND ACTIVITY ANALYSIS TO PERFORM ANALYTICAL ASSIGNMENTS TO MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS, EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF VARIOUS AGENCY PROGRAMS. EXPERIENCE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH, MATHEMATICS, STATISTICS, ECONOMICS AND ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ANALYSIS. AND CONTINUOUS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT METHODOLGY AND TOOLS. EXPERIENCE IN THE USE OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS IN THE PREPARATION FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown in the table below.
Basic Requirements:
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.
Evaluation of Education:
The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.
Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.
The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.
GS-07
1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Several vacancies may be filled.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf.
Veteran's preference does not apply when selecting individuals under this specific hiring authority. However, if you claim veteran's preference, you will be required to submit supporting documentation with your application as described in the Required Documents section below.
Expand Hide additional information
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
Help
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.
Review our benefits
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.

What Military Sealift Command employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom