Operations Reseach Analyst - Senior/SME

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 Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA's Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force's Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command. We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has a near-term need for an
Operations Research Analyst - Senior/SME.

Responsibilities
Key duties associated with this role include but are not limited to the following:
Lead development and validation of analytical models, simulations, and scenario constructs supporting mission engineering and system‑level analysis.
Define analytical assumptions, MOEs/MOPs, and performance metrics; ensure technical rigor and traceability across all MS&A products.
Conduct mission-level assessments, architecture evaluations, trade studies, and alternatives analyses to identify capability gaps and quantify system performance.
Mentor junior analysts and guide multidisciplinary teams in analytical best practices, model development, and data-driven decision support.
Integrate statistical, operational research, and forecasting methods-including reliability analysis and predictive sustainment modeling-to support lifecycle engineering.
Review and validate analytical outputs for accuracy, repeatability, and alignment with engineering and program objectives.
Present results and recommendations to engineering leadership and stakeholders in clear, decision-focused formats.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
US Citizenship with TS/SCI clearance at time of application with ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance
Bachelor's degree in Math, Statistics, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or related field
10+ years of experience applying OR/MS&A methods to complex systems, mission analyses, or engineering assessments
Demonstrated expertise in modeling frameworks, statistical analysis, optimization, simulation techniques, or predictive analytics
Strong ability to lead analytical teams and validate complex technical products
Proficiency with analytical tools (STK, CyberAssasin, Python, R, MATLAB, modeling environments)
Desired Qualifications:
Master's degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (PhD preferred)
Experience supporting architecture development, digital engineering, MBSE, or lifecycle analysis
Background in reliability engineering, forecasting, anomaly detection, or risk modeling
Strong communication skills and ability to translate complex findings into actionable guidance

Pay Range Information
At 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 $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $200,000.00/Yr.

Key duties associated with this role include but are not limited to the following:
Lead development and validation of analytical models, simulations, and scenario constructs supporting mission engineering and system‑level analysis.
Define analytical assumptions, MOEs/MOPs, and performance metrics; ensure technical rigor and traceability across all MS&A products.
Conduct mission-level assessments, architecture evaluations, trade studies, and alternatives analyses to identify capability gaps and quantify system performance.
Mentor junior analysts and guide multidisciplinary teams in analytical best practices, model development, and data-driven decision support.
Integrate statistical, operational research, and forecasting methods-including reliability analysis and predictive sustainment modeling-to support lifecycle engineering.
Review and validate analytical outputs for accuracy, repeatability, and alignment with engineering and program objectives.
Present results and recommendations to engineering leadership and stakeholders in clear, decision-focused formats.

Minimum Qualifications

US Citizenship with TS/SCI clearance at time of application with ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance Bachelor's degree in Math, Statistics, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or related field 10+ years of experience applying OR/MS&A methods to complex systems, mission analyses, or engineering assessments Demonstrated expertise in modeling frameworks, statistical analysis, optimization, simulation techniques, or predictive analytics Strong ability to lead analytical teams and validate complex technical products Proficiency with analytical tools (STK, CyberAssasin, Python, R, MATLAB, modeling environments)

Requirements

Required Qualifications:
US Citizenship with TS/SCI clearance at time of application with ability to obtain and maintain SAP clearance
Bachelor's degree in Math, Statistics, Engineering, Physical Science, Operations Research, Data Science, or related field
10+ years of experience applying OR/MS&A methods to complex systems, mission analyses, or engineering assessments
Demonstrated expertise in modeling frameworks, statistical analysis, optimization, simulation techniques, or predictive analytics
Strong ability to lead analytical teams and validate complex technical products
Proficiency with analytical tools (STK, CyberAssasin, Python, R, MATLAB, modeling environments)
Desired Qualifications:
Master's degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field (PhD preferred)
Experience supporting architecture development, digital engineering, MBSE, or lifecycle analysis
Background in reliability engineering, forecasting, anomaly detection, or risk modeling
Strong communication skills and ability to translate complex findings into actionable guidance