Operations Research Analyst Job

Vacancy No. AWA-AJR-26-7429CM-100760 Department Federal Aviation Administration
Salary $127,898.00 to $198,281.00 Grade J to J
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2026 Close Date 10/15/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DCVint Hill Farms Military Installation, VA


Operations Research Analyst

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Organization, Systems Operations, Office of Performance Analysis, AJR-G000

Summary

This position is located in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO), System Operations Services, Office of Performance Analysis, This office is responsible for assessing the operational performance of the airlines and the aviation system, and providing analytical products and services to Senior Leadership, ATO personnel, the Aviation Industry, and Academia.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent FAA employees ATO WIDE

Duties

The Operations Research Analyst performs multiple, varying and complex assignments under the minimal direction of a manager, project/program manager. Acts as principal technical analyst or as a project manager or team leader for large work activities. Provides guidance to lower-level staff on how to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all, but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced analyst. Develops plans, techniques and policies to address current or anticipated problems and issues. Works with management to solve problems. Typical assignments include aviation data analysis using statistical techniques or fast-time simulation models as well as oversight of office contracts and support contractors. Performs complex system design and integration, extensive research and analysis, and directs responsibility for project/program management. The work involves originating new and improved applications and strategies for existing and new concepts and principles related to the operations of the airlines, aviation system, and industry representative groups.

Applies experience and comprehensive technical knowledge of operations research mathematical, statistical, econometric and scientific theories, principles, concepts, methods and techniques to solve complex problems and to develops improved technical processes or systems. Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters. Evaluates data to develop plans to improve operations for aviation stakeholders. The analyst has an understanding of engineering and programming sufficient to coordinate, review, and provide technical analytical guidance relative to the Office requirements and tasking. Observes and monitors airline planning and operations to gather and analyze information about each of the parts of component problems, using a variety of sources.

Performs statistical analyzes to compile data for identifying areas for improved efficiency of the operational performance of the airlines and the aviation system through designing, developing, adapting and applying statistical models, fast-time simulation models, and other research methods. Develops and integrates solutions to diverse, complex problems by creating, exploring, evaluating, and sharing solutions for scientific, mathematical, and/or statistical problems, methods, conditions, and issues.

Develops, enhances, and applies advanced data analytics, while working with aviation data sources from mission-support systems. The analyst conducts rigorous, scientific inquiry and analysis to compute metrics and analyze factors applicable to recurring problems in the aviation and aerospace industries including airline operations. Uses sound scientific and quantitative information to provide overall project results, technical reports, and recommendations to all levels of management internally and externally. Conducts complex analyses of factors that affect trends of the airlines and aviation system to identify performance shortfalls and provide possible alternative solutions and findings.

Applies techniques and principles to monitoring contracts that produce the reporting tools and analysis required by the office. Identifies performance measures or indicators of the airlines and aviation system, as well as other actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to defined goals. Analyzes project data to determine specifications or requirements. Works to accomplish large work activities within established schedules.

Contacts are internal and external including FAA management, departmental officials, and individuals within the aviation industries and academia. Often represents FAA as a senior analyst point of contact on projects, programs and other work activities. Communicates results to all levels internally and externally.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the FV-I, FG/GS-13 level. This experience is typically related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been at least equivalent to the next lower level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes:


- Experience using mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze and identify areas to improve processes or systems.
- Experience analyzing data to identify trends or relationships among variables.

You should include relevant examples of the specialized experience in your work history. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or may result in you not being considered.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability.

DO NOT ASSUME THAT BECAUSE YOU HOLD OR HAVE HELD THISPOSITION, YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE FOUND ELIGIBLE.

You may be asked to provide evidence or documentation that you have this type of experience later in the selection process. Your responses are subject to verification through job interviews, or any other information obtained during the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience or any attempt to conceal information can result in disqualification.

Applicants who fail to demonstrate possession of any of the above criteria AND who do not provide 
the required documentation will receive no further consideration for this position.

Applicants may be asked to verify information on your application for employment with the FM. All 
qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy.

Education

This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).

Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.

Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.

Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.

Basic Requirements:

Degree: in 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.

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.

Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.

Additional information

We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.

The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements

As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.

In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA section, in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and 
experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a human resource specialist as appropriate.

This position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan. Additional information about Core Compensation is available at: https://www.faa.gov/jobs/working_here/benefits.

This Level 6 (High Risk; Public Trust)position requires favorable adjudication of a Background Investigation (BI) background investigation prior to appointment, unless a waiver is obtained.

AFSCME Interview Criteria: Article 42, Section 13 states: If the selecting official decides to interview any employee on the selection list for a vacancy, then all who remain under consideration for the position at that point in the process must be interviewed. If the selection list is shortened to a best qualified list through a comparative process, then the best qualified list shall be considered to be the selection list. If it is determined that interviews are required and telephone interviews are not utilized, travel expenses incidental to these interviews will be paid in accordance with the Agency's travel regulations and this Agreement.

Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.



IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.

Required Documents

ALL applicants MUST submit the following:

(1) resume with complete work history; and

(2) a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

For guidance on how to create a Federal resume, visit http://www.archives.gov/careers/jobs/forms/resume-guide.pdf.

Failure to submit all required documents by the closing date will result in a finding of 
ineligible. We are not responsible for incomplete, illegible or missing documents.

Please DO NOT email your application documents. We cannot accept documents received via the email 
system. Documents sent via email will NOT receive consideration.



This position has a positive education requirement; college transcripts are required for ALL candidates newly appointed to the FAA in the 1515 series.

College transcripts must be submitted from current FAA employees applying for internal vacancies if they have never held a position in the 1515 series with the FAA.

College transcripts are not required from current FAA employees who are currently occupying a 1515 series.

If selected, official transcripts are required prior to employment.

If you are an FAA employee, you MUST provide a copy of your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) containing information in Blocks 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 24 so it can be used to verify your position title, series, grade, tenure, and organization of record by the closing date of the announcement. You may fax your SF-50 or upload it into the on-line application. If faxing the SF-50, please ensure you include the vacancy announcement number on the faxed copy.

If you are an FAA employee, you can access and print your SF-50 from the eOPF system https://eopf.opm.gov/dot/.

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.

How to Apply

Applicants may be required to complete one or multiple assessments as part of the evaluation process. This assessment aims to evaluate the competencies and qualifications essential for the position.

You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.

RESUMES ARE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC AND INCLUDE INFORMATION AS IT RELATES TO THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)

  • Relevant work experience: should align to the Job Announcement and address all required qualifications and include job title, employer name, start/end dates, number of hours worked per week.
  • Education, certification or licensure: If required, education should include school/institution name, completion date, degree type and GPA.

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

You may upload completed documents to your USAJOBS Account. This will provide you the opportunity to utilize the uploaded information again when applying for future vacancies.

Agency contact information

Christine McNeil
Phone
1 (202) 267-3722
Email
christine.mcneil@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US

Next steps

Once we receive your complete application, the Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Eligible and qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. You will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, please go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

Important - If you make any changes to your application, you must resubmit it. If you make changes to your application and do not resubmit it, your changes will not be considered part of your application package, and only your previously submitted application will be evaluated.

All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.

Federal Aviation Administration

At the FAA, the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning. Exciting new opportunities are emerging in aviation and aerospace. Significant investments are advancing the research and development of autonomous vehicles, environmentally friendly electric aircraft, high-speed and long-endurance solar-powered aircraft, and new types of space vehicles. Success with these new technologies and vehicle types will introduce new ways to transport people and goods expanding aviation's footprint in transportation. People are our strength. We are a diverse workforce of over 44,000 located nationwide and spanning over 120 occupations to include air traffic control specialists, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals. Join us in our mission to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Agency contact information

Christine McNeil
Phone
1 (202) 267-3722
Email
christine.mcneil@faa.gov
Address
Federal Aviation Administration
HQ Employment Services Branch
800 Independence Ave, SW, Room 523
AHF-110
Washington, DC 20591
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Federal Aviation Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.faa.gov/jobs