Operations Research Analyst, Junior
American Systems
Arlington, VA · Posted September 30, 2026
Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks
See every open role at American Systems
More in Virginia job market · Operations Research Analyst jobs in Virginia (21) · All Operations Research Analyst jobs (59) · Aerospace & Defense · Investment jobs
More roles at American Systems
- Information Security Engineer - Linux Administrator · Middletown, RI
- Systems Administrator Systems II · Billings, MT
- Systems Administrator Systems II · Phoenix, AZ
- Mechanical Designer / Drafter - AutoCAD · Norwich, CT
- IT Queue Manager II (JSF) · Arlington, VA
- Postgres Database Administrator (HYBRID) · Mechanicsburg, PA
Similar jobs
- Operations Specialist IV - Secret Clearance · Chickasaw Federal Health · Fort Belvoir, VA
- Sales Operations Analyst · Appian · McLean, VA
- Principal Technical Risk Analyst · Navy Federal Credit Union · Vienna, VA
- Research Scientist/Associate · UVA Health · Charlottesville, VA
- Fraud Analytics Senior Consultant Lead (Senior Consultant II) · Guidehouse · Arlington, VA
- Operations Specialist · University of Virginia · Charlottesville, VA
Where Arlington, VA ranks
Where Arlington, VA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for education pay after cost of living$124k · of 8
- #2Best all-round cities for AI careers in the Southeast89 / 100 · of 33
- #3Best cities for government pay after cost of living$140k · of 18
- #3Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Mid-Atlantic456 openings · of 68
- #4Best cities for aerospace and defense pay after cost of living$152k · of 19
- #4Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Southeast14% · of 87
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among operations research analysts, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for operations research analysts: 43% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
Overview
AMERICAN SYSTEMS, a 100% employee-owned federal government contractor , is seeking a junior Operations Research Analyst to support mission-critical modeling, simulation, and analysis of platforms, sensors, and weapons in OSD-approved scenarios, with a strong focus on Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) .
In this role, you’ll apply your background in operations research, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or data analysis to help evaluate system performance and mission effectiveness. You’ll collaborate with experienced analysts, engineers, subject matter experts, and government customers while developing practical expertise in modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, mission analysis, and technical communication .
Responsibilities
As an Operations Research Analyst with AMERICAN SYSTEMS, you will have the opportunity to:
Support mission-critical defense analyses involving platforms, sensors, weapons, and tactical scenarios, with a focus on Navy Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T).
Build and refine models and simulations that represent real-world systems, operational environments, and mission-level scenarios.
Use analytical tools such as MATLAB, Python, and statistical methods to evaluate system trades, assess mission effectiveness, and identify meaningful insights.
Develop performance metrics that help government customers and senior leaders understand system capabilities, limitations, and mission utility.
Support test and evaluation activities by helping with test planning, data collection, data reduction, analysis, and interpretation of results.
Apply statistical techniques such as confidence intervals, parametric and non-parametric analysis, and data decomposition to support defensible conclusions.
Analyze environmental data and assess how environmental conditions may affect platforms, sensors, and mission outcomes.
Support concept of operations development by using quantitative analysis to evaluate mission needs and operational approaches.
Collaborate with government customers, engineers, analysts, and subject matter experts to define requirements, document assumptions, and develop meaningful analytical questions.
Translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Prepare analytical reports, presentations, and briefings that communicate methodologies, findings, assumptions, and recommendations.
Contribute to team-based modeling and simulation efforts focused on system trade studies and mission utility.
Develop your expertise in advanced analytical methods , including machine learning, pattern recognition, and optimization techniques.
Participate in customer meetings, technical working groups, and training opportunities , including occasional travel within the continental United States.
Grow your skills alongside experienced operations research professionals while supporting important national security missions.
Qualifications
Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (current SSBI or equivalent background investigation a must)
Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research or a related field that includes at least 24 semester hours of coursework in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, computer science, engineering, political science, intelligence, international relations, or national security studies.
0-5 years of relevant experience in operations research, systems analysis, data analysis, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, or a related field. Relevant academic, internship, military, or research experience may be considered.
Familiarity with statistical analysis, data collection, data reduction, test planning, and test and evaluation processes .
Experience with one or more analytical or programming tools , such as MATLAB, Python, SAS JMP, Perl, or similar applications .
Ability to support modeling and simulation , analyze system performance, develop or apply performance metrics, and translate results into meaningful operational insights.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills , with the ability to explain technical information clearly to government customers and senior stakeholders.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with analysts, engineers, subject matter experts, and government customers.
Ability to travel occasionally within the continental United States for working group meetings, training, and other program-related activities
Pay Transparency Statement AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $80,000.00/Yr. - USD $115,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
EEO Statement EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status