Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analyst – Tactical Air Forces Division (TACAIR)

JOA#:GS 2026-1515-127 (TACAIR)

Department:Department of War (DOW)

Agency:Office of the Secretary of War (OSW)

Hiring Organization:Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)

Open Period:10/26/2026 – 11/30/2026

Pay Scale & Grade:GS-13/14/15

Salary Range:$121,785- $197,200

Series & Appointment Type:1515 Operations Research, Permanent - Schedule B Excepted Service

Location:Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Work Schedule:Full Time

Clearance Requirements:Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI

Citizenship Requirement:Open to all US Citizens

Relocation expenses reimbursed:No

Summary:

CAPE is hiring and lets you have a huge influence on the Department of War! We provide objective, analysis-based advice directly to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War on everything that DOW does with an enormous level of impact on the US budget and national security.

This position is well suited for analysts that want to apply their analytic expertise on real tactical-air decisions.

TACAIR is seeking an operations research analyst to lead and conduct analysis on future tactical-air capabilities, fighter and bomber force structure, autonomous platforms, aircraft sensors, electromagnetic warfare, munitions, and operational concepts. Candidates with experience in data science, simulation models, or analytic experience with strong quantitative and coding skills are especially encouraged to apply.

This role offers the opportunity to turn rigorous warfighting simulations and analysis into clear, decision-ready recommendations for senior Department of War leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analytic Contributions & Leadership:Lead and execute high-impact joint studies requiring this role to: develop Design of Experiments and operational warfighting vignettes to measure uncertainty across complex datasets; collect, assess, and structure disparate datasets; lead and actively contribute to the coding, modification, and execution of combat simulation models (e.g., AFSIM, Python); perform rigorous statistical analyses on model outputs to extract critical mission insights; and partner with contractor teams to architect and establish automated data pipelines and analytical processing workflows.
• Portfolio Expertise: Rapidly define portfolio capabilities and tradespace given current and emerging aircraft capabilities (e.g., sensors, EW, autonomy) and leverage joint capability insights to evaluate dependencies and cost-effective substitutes.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Partner continuously with military aviators and operators, laboratory scientists, intelligence analysts, and policy specialists to ensure simulation parameters and analytical models reflect tactical options, emerging technological advances, and national defense policy constraints.
• Executive Decision Support: Translate high-dimensional simulation outputs and quantitative trade studies into clear, decision-ready visualizations, summary products, and briefings for the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

A degree in operations research from an accredited college/university; 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.

Required Skills:

Your experience must be relevant. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

Quantitative Analytics: Mastery of mathematical reasoning and quantitative methods involving operations research, statistics, probability, data science, and combat modeling. Demonstrated experience applying quantitative analytics to evaluate complex defense problems, develop robust Design of Experiments, and extract defensible insights across high-dimensional, uncertain datasets. Demonstrated proficiency in writing, modifying, and executing analytical code in modern scientific programming suites (e.g., Python, R, C++) and working with mission-level simulation environments (e.g., AFSIM). Practical experience applying statistical methods to evaluate complex model outputs and determine defensible analytical results. Experience employing AI/ML techniques in problem solving is beneficial.

Portfolio Expertise:Demonstrated ability to define and evaluate complex tradespaces for military capabilities and force structures. Proven capability to evaluate trades within the current and emerging tactical-air portfolio (e.g., fighter/bomber platforms, autonomous systems/collaborative combat aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare, advanced munitions) and leverage joint capability insights to assess mission dependencies, force multipliers, and cost-effective substitutes. Ability to review strategic guidance documents (such as the National Defense Strategy and Defense Planning Guidance), evaluate their programmatic and force-structure implications, and formulate objective, fact-based recommendations for major portfolio decisions.

Building Coalitions & Cross-Functional Integration:Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across diverse technical and operational organizations. Proven skill in partnering directly with military operators and aviators, laboratory research scientists, intelligence analysts, defense policy experts, and contractor technical teams to translate operational concepts and technological advancements into representative analytical models. Ability to build productive interagency networks, build consensus across differing analytical perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity to drive mission-aligned outcomes.

Executive Decision Support & Communication:Demonstrated ability to translate complex quantitative findings, modeling methodologies, high-dimensional simulation outputs, and associated uncertainties into concise, plain-language insights. Proficiency across diverse written formats including executive decision memos, white papers, methodology reports, and briefings as well as oral briefings delivered directly to senior executive leaders, such as the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of War. Proven ability to advocate for analytical integrity, articulate facts and trade-offs persuasively in high-stakes environments, and clearly convey recommendations with minimal advance notice.

Specialized Experience: You must have at least one year (equivalent to 12 months at 40 hours per week) of demonstrating the duties and competencies for each GS level to qualify:

• GS-13 Qualifications: Experience in extracting and organizing raw program and/or cost data under general direction from a supervisor or senior analyst, conducting basic mathematical analysis of program information, and assisting in the collection, developmental and implementation of program and/or cost related information. Effectively communicating with senior officials, internal and external colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• GS-14 Qualifications:Broad range of operations research analysis assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of quantitative analytic techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies. Utilizes scientific inquiry, independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate, interpret, and analyze program and/or cost data.
• GS-15 Qualifications:Leading teams in a teaming environment, performing complex statistical analyses; evaluating large and complex military programs using quantitative analytic techniques; performing complex analyses in the absence of defined goals and outcomes, providing expert consultation and technical expertise to agency senior leaders on studies and analysis, and effectively communicating with senior officials, internal and external colleagues, scientific organizations, and industry stakeholders.

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Volunteer Work Experiences: You can also receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Volunteer work refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Background Checks and Security Clearance

You will be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI security clearance. For more information regarding security clearances clickhere.

How to Apply:

Required Documents:

1. Resume:

a. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, BE CLEAR, SPECIFIC AND DETAILED. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

b.You must include name, address, contact information and the hours worked per week and the dates of employment/volunteer experience (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). One year of specialized experience is equivalent to 2,087 hours or 52-weeks of 40 hours/week. Part-time hours are prorated. You will not receive any credit for experience that does not indicate exact hours per week or is listed as "varies". For additional information see:How do I write a resume for a federal job.

c.Do not include any photos and Personally Identifiable Information (i.e., Social Security Number, Birthdate) on your resume.

d. Resume must be limited to 2 pages and a minimum size 10 font. Please save your resume as a PDF file to preserve the 2-page length.

2. Transcripts: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications requirements. Copies of a diploma alone are not sufficient.

a. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program.

3. Veterans Preference:veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

4. SF-50: Your latest SF-50 (if applicable) showing your tenure, grade and step, and type of position occupied. Remove all Personally Identifiable Information (Social Security Number and Birthdate).

a. If you receive an updated SF-50 after initially applying, please provide the updated document to CAPE to be added to your application.

b. If you’ve had a break in service – please provide your original appointment SF50 in addition to your resignation SF50. If you do not have your latest documents, you can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center to obtain them – see guidance here:https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/civilian-non-archival

5. Military Spouse Preference Eligibility documentation (if applicable).For Priority Placement Program, you must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP, such as PCS orders/verification of duty location assignment and a copy of marriage certificate or license. For eligibility under Executive Order 13473, acceptable documentation includes: verification of marriage to the servicemember, verification of member’s 100 percent disability or verification of member’s death while on active duty.

6. Free Response Essay Questions:Optional section to demonstrate your commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passion about the ideals of our American republic, and commitment to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. You will not be scored against your responses for this section.

Please visit theCAPE Careers website for more information on CAPE, our benefits and more.

How You Will Be Evaluated:

Subject matter experts will evaluate your qualifications before any referral. If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application will be assessed in a multi-hurdle process that ends in a ranking and referral.

Resume Review (First Hurdle): Subject matter experts will review your resume to determine qualifications based on the required competencies identified above.

Qualifying Structured Interviews (Second Hurdle): If the subject matter experts determine that your resume reflects the required competencies, you will have a panel interview (virtual or by phone) to assess your experience against those competencies. The interview may include in-depth questions or an exercise or case study to measure your depth of knowledge.

Ranking and Preference: Qualified candidates receive a score between 70 and 100, before any points for veterans’ preference. Your answers are verified against the information in your application and by reference checks. Preference is applied to applicants who move forward after the qualifying interviews.

Selection Process: Hiring managers receive a certificate listing the qualified candidates eligible for selection. If you are not selected for this position, you may be considered for similar positions for up to six months from the certificate date, and the certificate may be shared with other CAPE hiring managers. If you are selected for an interview, you may be asked to give a presentation, analyze a case study, or take part in several rounds of interviews.

Agency contact information:

Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)

Email:osd.pentagon.cape.mbx.esd-support@mail.mil
Address: 1800 Defense Pentagon, Room 3E231, Washington, DC 20301-1800

Additional Information:

Priority consideration programs will continue under their current operating procedures:

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible:Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Clickhere to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

NOTE: Military spouses are eligible for one permanent noncompetitive appointment using their preference eligibility for the duration of the active-duty sponsor's assignment to a permanent duty station, as long as the military spouse has not declined or accepted a permanent Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the commuting area of the sponsor's current duty location. If you certify that you have not used your preference at your sponsor's current duty location and it is discovered to be untrue, you may be subject to loss of MSP and possible disciplinary action.

Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473

You are eligible for this hiring category if you are a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for more than 180 days other than for training; OR are a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty; OR are the un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty.

Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your eligibility forE.O. 13473 which may include:

• Verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage);

• Verification of the member's 100 percent disability; and/or

• Verification of the member's death while on active duty.

Additionally, you may need to submit a Standard Form-15 (SF-15), an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and applicable supporting documents as noted on the form.

To obtain a copy of SF-15, go tohttps://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf.

Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Clickhere to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.6.

Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Clickhere to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.7.

Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Clickhere to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist

Schedule B Excepted Service Public Notice: Under this recruitment procedure, applications will be accepted, and selections are made for vacancies as they occur. 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.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information, clickhere.

Employment Eligibility Verification: Washington Headquarters Services uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit:http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability
New employee probationary period
Privacy Act
Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service
Signature and false statements
Social security number request