Launch Your Career as an Operations Research Analyst with the DoD

Are you ready to apply your quantitative expertise to matters of national importance? The Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA) is currently looking for an expert Operations Research Analyst (GS-1515-13) to join the Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) in Alexandria, Virginia. This high-impact role is perfect for analytical thinkers who want to use machine learning, modeling, and statistical rigor to improve the lives of the Total Force.

Job Responsibilities

As an Operations Research Analyst, your work will be diverse and highly technical. You will be expected to:

Execute the full analytic lifecycle: data ingestion, preparation, modeling, validation, and delivery.
Design and maintain robust data pipelines using modern engineering standards.
Develop user-focused analytical tools to support policy analysts and decision-makers.
Engage with key stakeholders to define requirements and communicate findings through professional briefings and visualizations.
Support research portfolios, including cyber workforce analysis and installation mapping.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Security: Ability to hold a Top Secret clearance.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent, demonstrating advanced skills in data analytics and modeling.
Education: A Bachelor's degree in operations research or 24 semester hours in quantitative disciplines (Mathematics, Statistics, etc.), including at least 3 hours of college-level calculus.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Salary Range	$121,785 – $158,322
Grade Level	GS-13
Location	Alexandria, Virginia
Clearance Required	Top Secret
Resume Limit	2 Pages Maximum

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary package between $121,785 and $158,322 per year. Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including health and life insurance, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), generous annual and sick leave, and the opportunity for a stable, long-term career path.

Application Tips for Success

Respect the Limits: The two-page resume limit is strict. Use your space wisely to highlight the most relevant achievements.
Check Formatting: Use professional, standard fonts and ensure your PDF is clear and readable.
Transcripts: Do not forget to attach your transcripts. Without them, your application will be marked incomplete.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for an analyst who wants their work to matter. By supporting the Department of Defense, you aren't just crunching numbers; you are providing the data intelligence necessary to keep the U.S. military ready and resilient. Apply today to begin your journey with the Defense Human Resources Activity.

Why This Operations Research Analyst Job Matters

Transform national defense readiness through data. Join the Defense Human Resources Activity as an Operations Research Analyst and turn complex data into strategic impact.

Operations Research Analyst Job Overview

The Defense Personnel Analytics Center (DPAC) is seeking a highly skilled Operations Research Analyst to join their team in Alexandria, Virginia. In this role, you will play a critical part in the full analytic lifecycle, from data ingestion and pipeline construction to developing high-impact, user-focused models. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to drive evidence-based decision-making that supports the well-being and readiness of the U.S. Total Force.

Requirements for Operations Research Analyst

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
Completion of a Bachelor's degree in operations research or at least 24 semester hours in quantitative subjects, including at least 3 hours of calculus.
Must submit a PDF resume limited to two pages.
Must provide official or unofficial transcripts to verify education.

Preferred Qualifications for Operations Research Analyst

Proficiency in advanced statistical modeling and machine learning techniques such as NLP and regression.
Strong experience with data pipeline development and version control systems like GitLab.
Expertise in data visualization tools including Tableau or Power BI.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex data findings into actionable reports for executive leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Generous federal retirement and pension programs
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression
✓Work-life balance initiatives

💡 How to Apply Operations Research Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Operations Research Analyst Job

Review the full announcement on USAJOBS.
Prepare a concise, two-page PDF resume highlighting specialized experience.
Gather academic transcripts verifying the required 24 semester hours in quantitative coursework.
Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online application questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation as PDFs.
Submit your application before the closing date of November 9, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will be disqualified immediately.
Use standard fonts such as Calibri, Arial, or Lato to ensure document readability.
Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week and dates of employment for all relevant roles.
Verify that your transcripts clearly show your name, the institution, and all completed coursework.
Double-check your application status in your USAJOBS dashboard after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance level required for this role?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is classified as Special-Sensitive (High Risk).

Can I submit my resume in a Word document?

While the system accepts various formats, we strongly recommend using PDF to ensure your formatting remains intact and you do not exceed the two-page limit.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia, though it is telework eligible.

What if I have foreign education?

Foreign education may qualify if it is deemed equivalent to U.S. education by a recognized organization. Please provide the equivalency letter with your transcript.

Is there an interview process?

Yes, the selecting official may choose to conduct interviews as part of the evaluation process.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The Defense Human Resources Activity is a critical component of the Department of Defense. Its mission is to optimize the readiness, well-being, and security of the entire U.S. military workforce. By leveraging evidence-based research and cutting-edge personnel analytics, DPAC helps leaders make informed decisions that shape the future of the military.