Space Research Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Be the force behind the force. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to empower the U.S. Air Force and Space Force to protect our nation's interests in air, space, and cyberspace. This is more than a job; it's a calling to serve.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for a Full-Time Supervisory Operations Research Analyst-GS-1515-15 to work at SAF/SAE at the Pentagon, Arlington, VA.
The Assessment and Evaluation Directorate (SAF/SAE) is hiring a GS-1515-15 to serve as the Assessment Division Chief conducting rigorous, objective assessments of Department of the Air Force capabilities to provide foundational, data-driven advice for high-stakes decisions to senior leaders including the Air Force Chief of Staff, Chief of Space Operations, and Secretary of the Air Force. The position, located in the Pentagon, Washington, DC, requires a TS/SCI clearance with compartmented access, with situational/ad hoc telework and occasional travel. Requires a degree in Operations Research, or equivalent, with at least 3 hours of calculus.
The ideal candidate is a highly experienced Operations Research Analyst with a strong understanding of Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force programs, missions, and operations and the ability to apply advanced analytical methods to complex, high-impact problems. The candidate demonstrates exceptional critical-thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with the ability to lead a team of analysts and translate complex operational research into clear, actionable recommendations. The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in operations research, data analysis, modeling and simulation, and Python programming, with the ability to develop and apply analytical tools to support strategic decision-making. The candidate is comfortable working with complex, ambiguous problems and using quantitative analysis to identify trends, evaluate alternatives, assess risk, and develop solutions that support Air Force and Space Force mission objectives. As a Level 1 supervisor, the candidate should demonstrate strong leadership and team-building skills, effectively managing, mentoring, and developing a diverse team of professionals while establishing priorities and delivering results in a dynamic mission environment. The ideal candidate is also an exceptional communicator with demonstrated experience briefing senior military officers, senior executives, and other high-level stakeholders.
This position can close at any time. Apply Now!
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION
Salary Range: $169,279 - $197,200
Moving expenses may be paid.
Position not eligible for telework or remote work.
Up to 25% Travel requirements.
AFCS Benefits:
Paid Time Off:
11 Federal Holidays each year
13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)
Paid Vacation Time:
13-26 days per year based on length of employment
Health Insurance:
No waiting period to qualify for you and your family
Retirement:
Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
Basic Benefits Plan
Social Security
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)
Qualifications/Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship Required
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays
This position is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions present a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. It is required that you (a) refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (b) if requested, submit to urinalysis testing.
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.
Duties:
Plans, organizes, and directs the activities of Office of Studies and Analysis, ensuring that the Division complies with legal and regulatory requirements and meets customer needs.
Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities.
Represents SAF/SA with a variety of installation and functional area organizations. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with OSD, OJCS, AF, SF, MAJCOMS, FLDCOM, NAF, COCOM and Congressional Staffs.
Serves as key Air Force advisor to the Director, SAF/SAE regarding division analytic and assessment efforts including but not limited to: determining appropriate analytic approaches to frame and understand Joint/AF/SF issues, model development and or data/analytic efforts, conduct studies using Joint/AF/SF models or data sets, validity of analytic methodologies, measures of performance and effectiveness, and modifications of AF/SF analytic criteria.
RECRUITMENT KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA):
Knowledge of military operational analytic methods, tools, and techniques, including modeling and simulation, for application to military and civilian workforce management.
Knowledge of broad scope of analyst development, policies, principles, and procedures with emphasis on continuous development
Knowledge of safety and security regulations, practices, and procedures.
Ability to analyze, plan, and adjust work operations of one or more organizational segments to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents) will be used to determine your eligibility, and qualifications.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload your two-page resume to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50). As of 27 September 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length. To learn more about the new resume requirements visit https://afciviliancareers.com/resumetips/ OR https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/agency-guidance-on-the-two-page-limit-on-resume-length/
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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.
U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal work age.
AFCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.