Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
- Current DoD Employees: You must submit your most recent SF-50 to verify your current grade, step, tenure, and eligibility. Your SF-50 must demonstrate at least 52 consecutive weeks at the GS-13 grade level.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
- Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements
Degree: Operations research; 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.
AND
Time in Grade
For entry at the GS-14 grade level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-13 or higher grade in the Federal Service.
AND
Specialized Experience
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service that demonstrates:
1. Quantitative & Financial Analysis: Applying operations research, financial analysis, and quantitative methodologies to evaluate complex data.
2. Cost Estimating & Modeling: Conducting cost analysis and rate development, establishing collection and estimation methodologies, and building dynamic life-cycle cost models across multiple acquisition pathways.
OR
3.
Data & Statistical Tools: Utilizing specialized analytical tools and programming languages (e.g., ACEIT, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, R Studio, or Python) to conduct advanced statistical analysis and data analytics.
In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements, qualified applicants must also possess the quality of experience as it relates to how closely or to what extent an applicant's background, recency of experience, education, and training are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the announced position. Candidates must clearly demonstrate the possession of competencies necessary to successfully perform the work of the position at the appropriate level to be qualified for the position. Applicants must describe how their experience meets the competencies within the body of the resume.
Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2026); and full-time or part-time status.
Competencies: Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork
Qualification and time-in-grade requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.
Pay by locality:
Chambersburg, PA $125,776 to $163,514
Ft. Huachuca, AZ $128,162 to $166,615
Mechanicsburg, PA $128,323 to $166,825
Scott AFB, IL $128,967 to $167,663
Columbus, OH $131,245 to $170,624
Ft. Meade, MD $143,913 to $187,093
Pentagon, DC $143,913 to $187,093
Education
Evaluation of Education:
The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.
Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.
The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.
To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
Additional information
- Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
- Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination
- Moving costs MAY be paid.
- Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives MAY be authorized.
- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
- The incumbent must obtain Acquisition certification in the Business - Cost Estimating Functional Area at the Practitioner Functional Tier within 60 months of entry into this position, in accordance with DoD Instruction 5000.66, Defense Acquisition Workforce Education, Training, Experience, and Career Development Program. The incumbent must also achieve 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two years in accordance with the 4th Estate Director for Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Common Continuous Learning Cycle (unless prorated) from the time they are appointed to an Acquisition Workforce position, both while working toward and after obtaining the required certification. Additional information may be found at: https://www.dau.edu/back-to-basics.
- This position is not open to retired federal employees interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant. Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8344 and 8468, a dual compensation (salary offset) waiver is NOT authorized for this position. Therefore, individuals receiving a federal civil service retirement annuity are not eligible for consideration under this vacancy.
- For more information on veterans' preference click here.
- Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
- This position is subject to the limitations imposed by the DOD Priority Placement Program.
- For more information regarding qualifications requirements please click here.
- You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility
- All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AS THEY APPLY STATED BELOW AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT. NOT ALL DOCUMENTS WILL APPLY TO EVERYONE.
- Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required.
- Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire.
- Transcripts: The absence of this information will result in an ineligible rating.
- SF-50 - Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
- Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable):
- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what the condition of discharge is thought to be.
- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
- ICTAP Eligible (if applicable) - A copy of the RIF separation notice and SF50 if available.
- Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: 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. To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/
- Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: 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. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
- Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: 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. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
- Retained Grade PPP Eligible: You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
Your complete Application Package (containing required documents) must be received no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 09/11/2026.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST09/11/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.