Launch Your Career at the Missile Defense Agency

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) stands at the forefront of national security, tasked with the monumental responsibility of defending the United States, our deployed forces, and our allies against missile threats. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Interdisciplinary General Engineer or Operations Research Analyst to join our team in Dahlgren, Virginia. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to critical defense programs, specifically those involving the Aegis Weapon System, while working alongside world-class experts in engineering and systems analysis.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a vital link between the Directorate for Test and the Aegis Program Office. Your day-to-day duties will include:

Liaison Support: Serving as the embedded test functional lead for Aegis Adaptations.
Program Oversight: Leading the Test and Evaluation efforts for Foreign Military Sales programs.
Execution Planning: Developing test plans for high-stakes flight tests and shipboard evaluations.
Technical Expertise: Providing subject matter expertise to ensure program certification and objective data collection.

Comparison: Engineering vs. Operations Research Paths

Feature	Engineering (0801)	Operations Research (1515)
Primary Focus	Physical & Technical Systems	Methods of Inquiry & Analysis
Core Skillset	ABET Engineering Principles	Mathematical Modeling & Statistics
Ideal For	Systems Designers & Builders	Data Scientists & Quantitative Analysts

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific Federal requirements, including:

Specialized Experience: At least one year at the NH-03/GS-13 level.
Education: A qualifying degree in Engineering or Operations Research, or a combination of education and experience.
Compliance: Submission of transcripts is strictly required.
Documentation: A two-page maximum resume is mandatory.

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the AcqDemo pay system. The salary range for this role is between $143,913 and $197,200 per year, reflecting the high level of responsibility and technical expertise required for the position.

Benefits

Employees of the Missile Defense Agency enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health, life, and long-term care insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
Flexible work schedules and telework options.
Access to continuous learning and professional certification programs.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Ensure your two-page resume clearly maps your experience to the specific Aegis and test evaluation duties listed in the announcement.
Be Precise: Use the required format for documentation to avoid administrative disqualification.
Prepare for Assessment: You may be required to complete a USA Hire assessment; review the practice materials provided by OPM to prepare.

This role offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to define the future of global defense. If you possess the engineering rigor or analytical prowess to contribute to the MDA's mission, we invite you to apply. Help us build a stronger, more secure nation.

Why This Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst Job Matters

Shape the future of global security by leading cutting-edge Aegis ballistic missile defense test programs at the Missile Defense Agency.

Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst Job Overview

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is seeking an Interdisciplinary General Engineer or Operations Research Analyst to join the Directorate for Test in Dahlgren, Virginia. This high-impact role centers on driving acquisition decisions through rigorous evaluation of test programs, specifically for the Aegis weapon system. As part of the DoD Acquisition Workforce, you will support international partnerships, including the Aegis System Equipped Vessel program for Japan, ensuring that our nation's defense capabilities remain unmatched on the global stage.

Requirements for Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03/GS-13 grade level.
Must meet specific Individual Occupational Requirements for the 0801 (Engineering) or 1515 (Operations Research) job series.
Resume must not exceed two pages and must be uploaded in PDF format.
Submission of academic transcripts is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications for Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst

Experience managing Aegis ballistic missile defense test programs.
Direct involvement in test concepts, policies, and standards for flight and ground missile defense tests.
Proven background in integrating complex weapon systems.
Professional engineering licensure (PE) or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
Graduate-level education in engineering, mathematics, or operations research.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning

💡 How to Apply Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interdisciplinary General Engineer/Operations Research Analyst Job

Review your eligibility and ensure you have all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50.
Draft a concise, two-page federal resume following the provided guidelines.
Log into or create your USAJOBS profile.
Submit your application, resume, and required documents via the online portal.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment within 48 hours of application submission if prompted.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
Clearly highlight your experience with Aegis or similar complex systems to help your profile stand out.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required fields are correctly formatted.
Double-check your transcript uploads, as failing to provide these will make you ineligible.
Set aside three quiet hours for the USA Hire assessment to ensure your best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the page limit for the resume?

The resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

Job from Missile Defense Agency

The Missile Defense Agency is a research, development, and acquisition organization within the Department of Defense. Our mission is to develop, deploy, and support a layered missile defense system. By joining the MDA, you become part of a community dedicated to technical excellence, rigorous analysis, and the defense of freedom. We value innovation and are seeking candidates who are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow’s battlespace.