Sr. Operations Research Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Critical Infrastructure Group (CIG) within JOID provides technical, programmatic, and analytical support to customers with missions in national security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Group brings technical and operational expertise in fields such as countering weapons of mass destruction, critical infrastructure protection, emergency response, and transportation safety.

We have a future need for an Operations Research Analyst to assist with systems engineering (SE) and testing and evaluation (T&E) programs in support of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary place of performance will be at SPA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA with regular visits to customer sites in VA and DC. 

The Sr. Operations Research Analyst will review and comment on revisions of program T&E documents and provide the Government advice. Support multiple DHS acquisition programs, especially in Reliability, Cyber Resilience, AI, and Human Systems Integration. Advise the Government to ensure acquisition T&E efforts properly apply standard T&E practices. Provide guidance, recommendations, mentoring, and reviews for TEMPs, Operational Assessment/Test Plans and Reports, and Letters of Assessment. Contribute expertise to T&E training curriculum development. Research government and industry sources to identify and recommend relevant T&E tools, plans, and procedures in specialty areas.

Required:

• Master's degree and 10 years of relevant experience and expertise in Reliability, Cyber Resilience, AI, and/or Human Systems Integration.
• DHS T&E Level 3 Certification, DAWIA T&E Practitioner Level 2/3, and/or CTEP (Certified Test and Evaluation Professional).  
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, both in written and verbal formats, with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain DHS Suitability.

Desired:

• Experience in providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government’s technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.
• Prior experience supporting DHS programs.
• Active DHS Suitability.