Advance Your Career: Operations Research Analyst with the U.S. Air Force

The United States Air Force is currently accepting applications for an Operations Research Analyst to join their team at Langley Air Force Base. This role is not merely a job; it is a high-impact, 36-month career-broadening assignment designed for exceptional, high-potential mid-level managers. If you are a current Air Force employee with a background in Cyber, IT, or Science and Engineering, this is your opportunity to shape the future of airpower strategy.

Job Responsibilities

As an Operations Research Analyst, you will tackle complex, cross-functional research projects. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Utilizing scientific inquiry to develop mathematical models.
Providing technical advisory support for major Air Force programs.
Attending high-level conferences and seminars to maintain technical proficiency.
Developing data governance policies to support weapon systems and IT infrastructure.
Collaborating with academia, R&D organizations, and industry experts.

Comparison: Standard vs. Career Broadening Roles

Feature	Standard Role	Career Broadener (This Role)
Duration	Indefinite/Permanent	36 Months
Goal	Standard Operations	Leadership/Skill Expansion
Scope	Functional Depth	Cross-functional Breadth
Development	On-the-job	Formal Training/Mentorship

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet strict criteria:

Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
Education: A degree in operations research or 24 semester hours of mathematics, statistics, or science (including calculus).
Status: Must be a current permanent Air Force civilian employee in a relevant technical field.
Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Salary Overview

This position is compensated at the GS-14 grade level, offering a salary range of $127,646 to $165,945 per year, commensurate with your existing federal pay structure and qualifications.

Benefits

Air Force civilian employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

Robust health insurance plans.
Federal retirement programs.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for specialized training.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Omit photos and personal data.
Documentation: Ensure your most recent SF-50 clearly shows your time-in-grade.
Clarity: Clearly state the hours worked per week for all previous positions to prove your specialized experience.

This role offers a unique intersection of data science, leadership, and national defense. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenge that will broaden your technical and leadership horizons, apply before the October 2, 2026, deadline.

Why This Operations Research Analyst Job Matters

Ready to elevate your career? Join the U.S. Air Force in a high-impact, 36-month developmental assignment designed for top-tier operations research professionals.

Operations Research Analyst Job Overview

The Department of the Air Force is seeking a skilled Operations Research Analyst for a unique career-broadening assignment at Langley AFB, Virginia. This 36-month, time-limited position offers a strategic opportunity for high-potential, mid-level professionals to integrate cross-functional data, influence weapon systems development, and lead high-level analytical projects within the Air Force’s Enterprise Data Office.

Requirements for Operations Research Analyst

Must be a current permanent Air Force civilian employee serving in Cyber & Information Technology or Science and Engineering career fields.
Hold a degree in operations research or possess at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, statistics, or science, with at least 3 hours in calculus.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level (or equivalent).
Must meet Federal Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirements (52 weeks at the GS-13 level or higher).
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must pass mandatory drug testing.
Position is designated as Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk.

Preferred Qualifications for Operations Research Analyst

Experience applying new analytical developments and methodologies to unprecedented problems.
Expertise in developing command data integration and data governance policies.
Strong communication skills for producing high-level technical reports and briefings.
Ability to navigate complex negotiations and maintain professional working relationships.
Proficiency in modeling, simulation, and statistical analysis techniques.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Direct deposit enrollment
✓Professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Operations Research Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Operations Research Analyst Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, including specific hours worked per week and dates of employment.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your most recent SF-50 and the SF-50 reflecting your highest grade held.
Upload any optional supporting documents like performance appraisals or awards from the last three years.
Submit your full application package before the October 2, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be automatically rejected.
Be precise with your work history; include exact dates and hours per week to satisfy qualification requirements.
Double-check your SF-50s to ensure they confirm your TIG eligibility.
Verify your documents are legible, as unreadable files will lead to automatic disqualification.
Monitor your application status directly through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary, career-broadening assignment limited to a 36-month duration.

Who is eligible to apply?

The area of consideration is limited to current permanent internal Air Force civilian employees currently serving in the Cyber & Information Technology or Science and Engineering career fields.

What is the security requirement?

This position requires a Top Secret clearance and is categorized as a Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk role.

What happens after the 36-month assignment?

*A: As a career-broadening position, it is designed to prepare you for further advancement within the Air Force; it is not a permanent, continuing position.*

Can I apply if I am in a different career field?

*A: No, the area of consideration is strictly limited to the Cyber, IT, and Science & Engineering fields.*

Job from Air Force Civilian Career Training

The Department of the Air Force operates under a clear mandate: to fly, fight, and win. Their vision focuses on Global Vigilance, Global Reach, and Global Power. By integrating advanced technology with expert personnel, the agency continues to push the boundaries of national security. As a career broadener, you will be part of the Civilian Talent Readiness Directorate, working within the ACC Enterprise Data Office (EDO).