The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is searching for an Operations Research Analyst (NH-1515-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:
Directly contribute to the delivery of the world's most advanced space and missile technologies in one of the most diverse areas in the country! Come join our team at Space Systems Command in sunny Southern California. Located in El Segundo, the gateway to the beaches, our area offers a multitude of sandy choices from Santa Monica to Redondo. Enjoy nearby hiking trails, breweries, sporting events, museums, theme parks, and the unique opportunity to surf and snowboard all in the same day.

Space Systems Command is the birthplace of the U.S. Space Force's military space program and serves as the center of excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Our portfolio includes the Global Positioning System (GPS), military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

This is a lead position requiring subject matter expertise in cost estimation and Earned Value Management (EVM), as well as proven leadership of individuals and teams. You will lead a group to develop and deliver high-quality, data-driven, and defendable analysis for weapon systems acquired by the U.S. Space Force. In this role, you will communicate complex analysis to senior leaders and peers, tailoring your messaging to the audience.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and analytical self-starter with a strong foundation in cost estimating and earned value management, preferably gained from experience with DoD Weapon Systems or Space Programs at a GS-12 level or equivalent. Academically, they will possess a degree in operations research or have completed at least 24 semester hours in a combination of quantitative subjects like mathematics, statistics, and science, including a minimum of three hours in calculus. This individual demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication skills, is highly organized, and excels at building relationships and focusing on stakeholder needs. They are an adaptable team player who is willing to learn, and while not required, a DoD Financial Management Certification is considered a significant plus.

Key Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities.
2. Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
3. Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts.
4. Ability to lead study teams and originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints.
5. Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; negotiate complex issues; and maintain good working relations.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Required to handle and safeguard classified or sensitive information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• Must have a bachelor’s degree, which includes at least 24 semester hours in quantitative analysis courses.
• May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• This employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• This is a Financial Management Level 2 Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d.
• This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
• Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of temporary duty assignments.
• PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.

Qualifications

The 1515 series has an individual occupational requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. In addition to the above requirements, you can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 4th section titled Professional and Scientific Positions.

How you will be evaluated

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here:

Interviews: You will be contacted by e-mail and/or telephone if your application is identified as qualifying for a position being filled. An interview may be conducted. If interviewed, you will be asked to address the same knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies used to initially qualify your application for the position.

Resume:You must submit a resume that may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume exceeds two pages or is illegible/unreadable. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your resume must provide:

1. Personal information - your full name, email and mailing addresses, phone number
2. Education information - the name of the school and the dates you attended
3. Work experience - paid and unpaid work with the following information:
   • Job title
   • Detailed duties and accomplishments
   • Employer's name and address
   • Supervisor's name and phone number
   • Starting and ending dates (If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes.)
   • Hours per week
   • Salary, if applicable
4. Other qualifications - skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses

College Transcripts (if applicable): Please see the Education section of this announcement for detailed information about transcripts.

Next steps