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Missile Defense Agency

Operations Research Analyst

Location: Alabama, Redstone Arsenal
Requires Relocation: No
Start Date: 22/01/2026
End Date: 04/02/2026
Offering Type: Permanent
Hiring Paths: The public
Service Type: Competitive
Travel Percentage: Occasional travel
Full Time On-site

Missile Defense Agency

About Missile Defense Agency

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Department of Defense (DoD), is under the direction, authority and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The mission of the MDA is to develop, test, deploy and sustain a layered Missile Defense System to defend the United States, it deployed forces, allies and friends from missile attacks in all phases of flight. The Missile Defense System is an enduring operationally effective and supportable defensive system of systems against Ballistic Missiles, Hypersonic Missiles, Cruise Missiles (Homeland) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense. The integrated Missile Defense System include; Sea, Land, Space and other cyber domains.

Summary

Job summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Acq Demo Business and Technical Management to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Major duties

This position is being filled under AcqDemo Direct Hiring Authority (DHA) for non-acquisition positions involving 51% or more of time in direct support of acquisition positions within Business and Technical Management Professional Career path. As an OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST at the NH-1515-4 broadband level, some of your typical work assignments may include: Serve as the principal cost estimating expert for the program/team, providing authoritative guidance and analysis to program/organization leadership. Ensure all cost estimates and analysis comply with DoD and MDA directives, standards, templates, and procedures for preparing, documenting, and presenting reliable cost estimates. Lead and ensure the uniform collection and reporting of cost, technical, and programmatic data across programs and contracts, consistent with statutory requirements. Lead research efforts to advance cost and schedule estimating methodologies for the organization/program/team, addressing issues unique to complex missile defense technologies and rapid acquisition. Lead, develop, apply, and document appropriate cost estimating and analysis methodologies, utilizing techniques such as linear and non-linear regression to determine cost estimating relationships (CERs). Lead, develop, document, update, and deliver life-cycle cost estimates (LCCEs) and cost trade analysis for MDA programs to inform decision-making, program planning, resource allocation, and acquisition/contract efforts for MDA programs and initiatives. Lead, prepare, document, and present cost estimates, cost analysis, cost studies, excursions, and recommendations to customers and stakeholders. Lead, support, and review Congressional Request for Information (RFI) responses and statutory and oversight requirements including GAO audits.

Qualification

You may qualify at the NH NH-04 Broadband Level, if you fulfill the following qualifications: A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 grade level in the Federal service as listed below and must meet 3 of 5 specialized experience listed below to be qualified: Experience in collecting, normalizing, and analyzing cost data. Authority in performing quantitative analysis, statistical modeling, and risk analysis. Subject Matter Expert in appropriate cost estimating and analysis methodologies, utilizing techniques such as linear and non-linear regression to determine cost estimating relationships (CERs). Authority in updating and maintaining cost models capable of providing timely, reliable cost estimates. Experience with standard cost-estimating tools and software, such as the Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tool (ACEIT). Specialist in generating credible, accurate, comprehensive, and documented Life Cycle Cost Estimates (LCCEs), Program Office Estimates (POEs), and/or Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs). Experience in documenting, preparing, and presenting cost estimates, cost analysis, cost studies, excursions, recommendations, and/or briefings to customers and stakeholders. Note: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience at the NH-04 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the, 1515 series as listed below: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ All applicants must meet qualifications and eligibility criteria by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level. 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 a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Evaluations

We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and evaluate your relevant work experiences as it relates to fundamental competencies, identified below, required for this position. Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. Veterans Preference: If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency. For information on entitlement see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the " Appointment of Military Spouses (5 CFR 315.612) (NonComp Mil Sp)" eligibility. If you are claiming Military Spouse eligibility and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager. Information and required documentation for claiming Military Spouse eligibility may be found at the General Applicant Information and Definitions link below.