Operations Research Analyst

Summary

This position is part of the Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response. As an Operations Research Analyst, you will provide expert analysis and technically authoritative guidance to originate and perform mathematical, statistical, economic, and/or other analysis projects pertaining to the energy sector, an energy sub-sector, scientific research, and/or national security, and to maintain and enhance models for use in simulation studies.

Duties

The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response works to strengthen the security and resilience of the U.S. energy sector from cyber, physical, and climate-based risks and disruptions. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As an Operations Research Analyst at the GS-14 level, you will: Initiate, design, perform, and document analysis assignments related to current and projected studies and projects within the energy sector, scientific research, and national security, applying innovative analytical techniques. Evaluate new technologies and policies, and develop/maintain models and simulation techniques, and computer programs to enhance operations research tools and provide guidelines for other analysts. Serve as a project leader, overseeing project planning, team coordination, and communication for research and development projects, including defining objectives, selecting databases, executing analysis, and disseminating findings. Offer expert analysis and technically authoritative guidance on mathematical, statistical, economic, and other analysis projects, advising high-level managers on the effects of different policies and options. Originate new programs, techniques, studies, and approaches, as well as innovative mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and approaches to accomplish assigned projects. Prepare and disseminate comprehensive reports of study results through various venues, including publications, journals, and presentations at professional meetings.

Qualifications

GS-13 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of the following 3: Designing and conducting complex analytical studies using mathematical, statistical, and modeling techniques to investigate significant problems or evaluate various solutions. Managing or contributing to the planning and execution of analytical projects, including defining project scope, selecting methods, and coordinating tasks to achieve project objectives. Developing and applying quantitative models and simulation tools to analyze intricate systems, forecast outcomes, or assess performance for decision-making purposes. GS-14 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following: Develop or validate models and simulation tools for forecasting, optimization, or evaluating system performance. Lead or manage the full lifecycle of analytical projects, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, executing analysis, and interpreting results. Initiate, design, and perform comprehensive analytical studies using mathematical, statistical, and/or econometric methods. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Evaluations

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Operations Research Analyst positions in the 1515 series. Under the DHA, applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement will be referred for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply under the DHA process. Appointments made under the DHA are processed as "new" appointments. Current Federal employees may be required to serve a new probationary period (5 CFR 315.802(b). Successful candidates will possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Mathematical Reasoning Modeling and Simulation Problem Solving Research Technical Competence Writing Career Transition Assistance Programs: If you are eligible for career transition assistance, such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the Education and Qualification requirements to be referred for consideration. Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations. You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ. You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (07/30/2026) of this announcement. To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13000837

How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Read all instructions before you begin. Click "Apply Online." Complete the application and attach all required documents. Submit by 11:59 PM ET on the 07/30/2026. Resume Tips: Max 2 pages and 5MB file size. PDF is recommended to preserve formatting; we also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, ODT, or Word (DOC/DOCX). No PDF portfolios. Use clear fonts like Lato, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open Sans, Source Sans Pro, Roboto, or Noto Sans. Set 0.5-inch margins. Use 14-point font for titles, 10-point for main text. Managing Your Application: Update: Edit your application in USAJOBS before the closing date. Status: Log into USAJOBS to view your application status. Learn more here: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Support: USAJOBS Help: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ for login.gov or USAJOBS assistance. Application Issues: If you have difficulty applying online, contact the Agency Contact listed in this announcement during business hours. Take screenshots of any system errors. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Other information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.