Operations Research Analyst, SME
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Job Description:
Parsons is seeking an Operations Research Analyst SME to support our cutting-edge Drone Armor counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) program. This Subject Matter Expert will lead complex analytical efforts, including experimentation, simulation, testing, and data analysis, to develop actionable recommendations that optimize system performance, tactics, and operational effectiveness for Drone Armor.
What You'll Be Doing
Subject Matter Expertise & Analytical Support
- Serve as a subject matter expert capable of handling tasks and answering specific questions related to operations research and assigned functional domains
- Provide expert analytical support that may include physical experimentation, emulation, modeling, simulation, and testing of C-UAS concepts and systems
- Analyze operational and test data, interpret results, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights
Experimentation, Simulation & Data Analysis
- Design and support experiments, simulations, and emulations to evaluate Drone Armor system performance, CONOPS, and operational tactics
- Apply quantitative methods and operations research techniques (e.g., optimization, stochastic modeling, statistical analysis) to complex problems
- Assess trade-offs, risks, and sensitivities to inform capability development, deployment, and employment decisions
Recommendations, Solutions & Decision Support
- Prepare recommendations and solutions for the specific areas under analysis, clearly articulating assumptions, methods, and implications
- Develop decision-support products (briefings, reports, visualization) tailored to technical, operational, and leadership audiences
- Support the refinement of requirements, CONOPS, and test plans based on analytic findings
Leadership & Team Direction
- Provide leadership and direction to team members working on the same project, guiding analytic approach, methods, and quality standards
- Mentor junior analysts and coordinate with engineers, testers, and operators to ensure integrated analytic efforts
- Contribute to technical reviews, milestones, and customer engagements as a recognized SME
What Required Skills You'll Bring
Education
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Operations Research, or other engineering or technical discipline is required with 6 years of experience
OR - 10+ years of relevant operations research or advanced analytical experience may be substituted for education
Experience
- Experience performing complex analysis, experimentation, or modeling and simulation in support of technical or operational problems
- Experience analyzing data and interpreting information to generate recommendations and solutions for specific problem areas
- Experience providing leadership and direction to teams conducting analytic or technical work
- Experience preparing clear, well-structured technical reports and recommendations for decision-makers
Technical Competencies
- Strong background in operations research, quantitative analysis, or related disciplines
- Familiarity with modeling/simulation tools, statistical analysis software, or scripting languages used for data analysis
- Ability to design and interpret experiments, simulations, and tests to answer operationally relevant questions
- Strong communication skills for framing problems, explaining methods, and presenting results to varied audiences
Security & Citizenship
- Must be a US Citizen
- TOP SECRET security clearance
What Desired Skills You'll Bring
Advanced Education & Certifications
- Advanced degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Systems Engineering, or related field
- Training or certifications in data analytics, modeling & simulation, or related tools/technologies
Specialized Experience
- Experience supporting DoD, defense, C-UAS, EW, or ISR-related analytic efforts
- Experience conducting campaign analysis, mission engineering, or force-on-force simulation
Additional Technical Skills
- Experience with data visualization tools and techniques for communicating complex results
- Familiarity with test and evaluation data, operational assessments, or field experimentation
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
COMPETITIVE BENEFIT OFFERINGS
Financial Wellness
We care about your financial wellbeing. Parsons offers competitive pay and retirement plans to help you build wealth for the future while giving you the flexibility to diversify your investments.
Work Life Harmony
Balance in life is important and time away from the office is imperative to allow you to refresh and focus your attention on the things that matter to you. Parsons supports your time away by providing paid time off and paid flexible holidays.
Career Development
We are committed to fostering the personal and professional growth of our employees. Develop and advance yourself though our comprehensive training, educational and mentorship programs.
Veteran Support
We provide Industry leading benefits to support veterans and active-duty members to provide security for you and your family by offering robust leave and benefits; including paid active-duty military leave and paid time off when transitioning back to civilian life.
Mind & Body
At Parsons we inspire healthier habits, heathier minds, and a healthier you through our wellness program. Participate in our weekly Meditation Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays. Wellness, at Parsons, is more than just your annual checkup.
Health
Health is not a one size fits all. At Parsons, we offer a robust Employee Assistance Program as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans through large, national carriers with the choice of regional PPO, HDHP, or HMO networks.

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