Senior Operations Research Analyst

SAIC is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Research Analyst to support a U.S. Army Product Office in Huntsville, AL. The successful candidate will play a critical role in the development, defense, and analysis of cost estimates to support acquisition decision-making processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized and motivated individual to apply their expertise in operations research, cost modeling, and budget analysis to mission-critical Army programs.

The Senior Operations Research Analyst will be responsible for but not limited to the following duties: 

• Serve as the Senior Operations Research Analyst for an Army Product Office.


• Plan, coordinate, and conduct independent cost analysis for assigned programs, ensuring technical soundness, appropriateness, and accurate results interpretation regarding cost and budget.


• Calculate and forecast system costs, project/program expenses, and resource needs to support decision-making for funding, independent studies, and various management reviews (e.g., milestone reviews, budget evaluations).


• Create and maintain lifecycle cost estimates using the Army Cost Estimating Inclusive Tool (ACE-IT).


• Develop cost-estimating methodologies leveraging available datasets and using advanced mathematical, statistical, and economic techniques.


• Plan and develop controls to provide technical analyses, offer budgetary advice, and guide the development and defense of resource allocations and plans related to budgeting activities.


• Conduct in-depth analysis and make recommendations by applying expert-level knowledge of cost analysis methodologies, including statistical analysis, parametric and non-parametric techniques, computer modeling, regression analysis, and economic evaluation.


• Coordinate with PAE FIRES and PM Integrated Fires Mission Command (PM IFMC) Program Office to prepare cost estimates for Acquisition Program Baselines (APBs) and other milestone review documentation.


• Create briefings and documentation to effectively communicate program financial status, lifecycle costs, and future forecasts.


• Review and analyze Earned Value Management (EVM) reports and provide actionable recommendations to Product Managers derived from the analysis.


• Proactively engage executive-level leadership, providing them with concise and actionable advice to facilitate informed decision-making.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years’ experience; additional four (4) years’ experience can be considered in lieu of degree. 

Required Clearance: 

• Must possess an active Secret security clearance with the ability to maintain; US Citizenship required. 

Required Skills: 

• Proven experience with ACE-IT cost modeling and advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project).
• Demonstrated experience supporting and presenting analysis to executive-level leadership within the government, military, or Department of Defense (DoD).

Desired Skills or Required Certifications:

• Deep familiarity with U.S. Army acquisition processes and experience managing and responding to taskers or actions directly involving higher headquarters.
• Expertise in developing cost estimation methodologies and performing lifecycle cost analysis for complex systems or programs.
• Experience analyzing and presenting Earned Value Management insights for decision-making.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare clear and concise documentation and briefings.
• Proven ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and sound judgment to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a team environment.
• Passion for collaboration, enthusiasm for problem-solving, and excellent interpersonal skills.