Summary
NSA is actively seeking Operations Research analysts to join a vibrant community of mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists, and other intelligence professionals to collaborate in both long & short-term work to enable decision making and solve mission-critical problems. To solve the problems generated by NSA's mission, Operations Research analysts draw from a wide body of mathematical knowledge, including data analysis, decision analysis, mathematical modeling, probability, & more.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
National Guard and reserves
Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.
Students
Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.
Recent graduates
Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Duties
In support of the National Security Agency mission, Operations Research analysts leverage analytic tools and techniques to facilitate data analysis, advanced analytic tool development, process improvement, and decision analysis. Further, Operations Research analysts support the mission by analyzing, developing, and applying mathematical/statistical or computational methods and lines of reasoning as problem-solving approaches in various studies and analyses.
Operations Researchers at the Agency typically work multiple projects at any given time. In addition to supporting projects as a member of small project teams, they may lead small teams. They also assist leadership in defining new customer questions and determining the technical approaches. Analysts have the unique opportunity to hone expertise on a wide range of mathematical techniques as well as learn customer relationship development and project management basics.
As an Operations Research analyst, you will plan, develop, implement, document, and maintain methods, models, and strategies. Operations Research analyst responsibilities include:
- Evaluating and developing models (using mathematical techniques)
- Demonstrating knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of Operations Research in areas such as data analysis, optimization, modeling, simulation, network analysis and decision analysis
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph.
Qualifications
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Mathematics, Operations Research, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field. Degree(s) must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $87,362 - $123,388 (Entry/Developmental)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
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.
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning who possesses strong communication (oral and written), problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal skills and is:
- able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
- customer and results-oriented
- detail-oriented
- able to adapt to changing requirements
- able to work effectively (independently and/or within teams) across functional areas in a professional and collaborative environment
Knowledge and experience in analytic computer software, to include the Microsoft Office suite of tools plus add-ons, is required.
Knowledge and experience in artificial intelligence methods or techniques is optional but will enhance the candidate's application for this position.
Required Documents
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, "DoD Civilian Personnel Management System: Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System Employment and Placement," NSA applies veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5, U.S.C., to eligible candidates. If you are claiming veterans' preference, you are required to provide acceptable documentation of your preference eligibility upon application.
Acceptable documentation includes:
- DD-214: "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions (Copy 4);
OR
- Certification of Service:
A written document on letterhead from the appropriate branch of the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should include the military service dates, including the expected discharge or release date;
AND
- Standard Form 15 (SF-15)
Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf).
If you are claiming a service-connected disability of 30 percent or more, the documentation you provide must specifically demonstrate this level of disability;
AND
- VA Letter of Disability (for 10pt and Sole Survivorship rating)
You may obtain a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs reflecting your level of disability for preference eligibility by visiting a VA Regional Office, contacting a VA call center, or online (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/).
**Failure to provide sufficient documentation of veterans' preference eligibility may preclude NSA from identifying you as a preference eligible candidate during the hiring selection process.