Positions are in various NASA organizations and may be filled at any advertised grade. As an Operations Research Analyst, you will support a group of Programs to plan and coordinate analyses of the budget and performance, communicate findings to Agency leadership, evaluate budgets and plan and analyze budget submissions and program performance in light of agency strategic goals and objectives to assure achievement of NASA's strategic plan and missions.

Major Duties

Duties described below are at the highest grade advertised. Duties assigned at lower grade levels will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity; duties will be commensurate with the grade of selected employee.

Supports senior leadership and program decision-makers by translating complex model outputs into actionable insights, clearly communicating assumptions, sensitivities, limitations, and confidence levels with diplomacy, rigor, and intellectual honesty

Collects, validates, analyzes, and reports statistical data involving performance and resource requirements for large, complex, and diverse projects, investments, and agency policies in order to improve NASA's programmatic performance policies.

Develops, validates, and maintains cost and schedule estimating relationships for in-house spacecraft systems and components, applying parametric, analogy, and engineering build-up methods traceable to the NASA Standard Work Breakdown Structure.

Plans, organizes, and leads multidisciplinary teams to develop diverse analyses associated with NASA's long term plans and investments. Uses operations research skills to assist in NASA budget formulation processes.

Leads strategic assessments to evaluate options and timing for future spaceflight missions as well as other investments under differing budget assumptions.

Constructs mathematical models using advanced operations research, cost/benefit analysis, economic theory, and risk assessment techniques to evaluate the need for changes in practices and processes.

For supervisory positions, you will perform a full range of supervisory duties, which includes assigning and evaluating work; recommending personnel actions; taking disciplinary actions; and identifying training needs and developing employees.

Qualifications

Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. To qualify for GS-07, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level: Applying principles and practices of operations research, mathematics or statistics sufficient to perform cost analysis; or applying analytical techniques to identify/evaluate trends and relationships for projects or studies. OR b) Completed a bachelor's degree in a field listed above or a related field and meet Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) criteria. SAA: (1) you must be in the upper third of your graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; or (2) you must have a 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 GPA; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 GPA based on courses completed in your major field of study during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (ACHS). c) Completed 1 full academic year of graduate study in an appropriate field OR d) d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study in an appropriate field. To qualify for GS-09, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level: Using operations research to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, process or operational problems and procedures; assisting with gathering information concerning processes or operations for the organizations' projects or studies; or assisting senior analysts with analyzing and evaluating data and historical trend reports. OR b) Completed all requirements for a master's or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above To qualify for GS-11, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level: Assisting with quantitative and qualitative studies and analyses; participating in the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific tools, methods and techniques; supporting studies that require careful planning, efficient coordination of efforts, and application of practical scientific judgement in support of ongoing projects, programs, or initiatives. OR b) Completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (i.e., Ph.D. or equivalent) in an appropriate field OR c) Completed 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or equivalent doctoral degree in an appropriate field OR d) Have an equivalent combination of experience and graduate study as discussed in a), b) and c) above To qualify for GS-12, you must have: a) One year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level: Supporting modeling and simulation of operations and associated system impacts, using a variety of complex tools and methodologies to perform analysis; assisting the design, development, and adaptation of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific tools, methods and techniques to analyze problems. To qualify for GS-13, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level: Performing objective inquiries that include study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and result reporting; Supporting the extraction and visualization of data (e.g., resource allocation models, data profiling, trend analysis, simulation); Analyzing data relationships to interpret findings, draw conclusions, and provide recommendations for strategic planning and program development. To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level: Providing technical guidance for modeling and simulation of operations and associated system impacts, using a variety of complex tools and methodologies to perform analysis; leading the design and development of mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific tools, methods and techniques to analyze problems of a highly significant nature; conducting technical studies that require careful planning, efficient coordination of efforts and application of practical scientific judgement in support of ongoing projects, programs, or initiatives. To qualify for GS-15, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level: Leading analytical projects to provide strategic advice; researching, analyzing, and documenting business strategies or resources management issues, and coordinating with senior leaders to develop, recommend, and implement solutions; gathering, analyzing, manipulating, and presenting data in order to facilitate short-term and long-term decision making and resources allocation. Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job. Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process. Promotion Potential The full performance level (FPL) will vary based on the position in which the selectee is placed and does not default to the highest grade advertised.

Education

Basic Requirement: You must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science. U.S. degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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. These education credentials must be 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://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.

Promotion Potential

GS-None

How You Will Be Evaluated

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and veterans' preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet. Veterans: Under the provisions of Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference does not apply. However, applicants who are eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). For more information please see: Veterans' Preference information on the FedsHireVets website. You will be evaluated for this position based on how well you meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements listed in this vacancy announcement. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or assessment questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Modeling and Simulation Data Visualization Decision Support Technical Competence To preview the application questionnaire, click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13066818 NASA considers 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. NASA will not ask you to disclose criminal history record information during the application process or before we make a conditional/tentative offer of employment. If you apply for this position and are selected, NASA will conduct a suitability/security background investigation after you accept a tentative job offer. If you feel you are asked to disclose your criminal history before you accept a tentative offer and wish to file a complaint within 30 days, please contact: Agency-FCCJ@NASA.gov.

Benefits

View benefits details ↗

Who Can Apply

Open to the public

Required Documents

All submitted resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two pages will be rejected by USAJOBS. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize including experience and relevant qualifications that directly align with the position advertised. All work experience and accomplishments must be associated with dates (month/year) to allow for accurate qualification assessment. A complete application package includes a resume, required documents and completion of the vacancy announcement questionnaire. Please see this guidance: What to include in your resume. Your resume should describe your specialized experience and support your answers to the vacancy announcement questionnaire. If you are using a Curriculum Vitae (CV) as a resume, it must meet all requirements listed above for a complete resume package. Please note: if any of the following types of information are included on your resume, your application package will be disqualified: Classified or government sensitive information. Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents. If your resume contains any of the above information, you must redact that information prior to the submission of your application. The following documents are required: Resume Transcript As listed above in the Education section above, this position has a basic education requirement. To be found qualified, you must provide a copy of your college transcript that fully demonstrates you meet the requirements listed in the Education section. You may provide either an unofficial transcript or a copy of an official transcript. Failure to provide a complete copy of your college transcript that shows you have completed a required degree program or coursework may result in you being found not qualified. At the GS-07 level, most applicants qualify based on their grade point average (GPA). Transcripts without a GPA will likely result in you being found not qualified. You may need to submit other supporting documents (licenses, certification, veterans' preference information, etc.), based on your answers to the application questionnaire. When you apply, please verify you submit the appropriate documents. Do not submit an OF-306 with your application. If you are a surplus or displaced employee (CTAP and ICTAP), submit proof that you meet the requirements for CTAP/ICTAP. This includes copies of your agency notice, most recent Performance Rating and most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting current position, grade level, and duty location. Official documents are required at the time of appointment for verification of eligibility and qualifications.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application and have all required information available. We encourage you to provide a complete description of your educational achievements and include both paid and non-paid work in the experience portion of your resume. If you submit a resume that does not contain the required information, you may lose consideration. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: To begin the application process, you will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application process. Once logged in to your account, click on the "Apply" link. Follow the prompts to select your resume (2 pages or fewer) and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. Resumes longer than 2 pages will be rejected by the system. Resumes submitted via other document types will not be forwarded to the hiring manager, nor will they be used in the review of your qualifications. We strongly encourage you to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder when creating your resume. Using the resume builder will help you ensure your resume includes important information related to your qualifications and eligibility for this position. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. During the application process you can review, edit, delete and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the 'Include Personal Information' section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the vacancy questionnaire which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify all required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. NASA's online application process provides step by step guidance to ensure you provide all needed information. If you are unable to apply online, please contact NSSC-STAFFING@MAIL.NASA.GOV for assistance. Be advised - application materials faxed, emailed, and/or mailed to Marshall Space Flight Center will not be accepted for this announcement. NASA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact center listed on the job vacancy announcement. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

What to Expect Next

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. Throughout the process you will receive regular status updates through USAJOBS. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (Account Login), all of your 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: Application Status. Whether or not you are contacted for an interview depends upon the location of the position and the judgment of the hiring manager. If you are selected, you will be notified by phone or email with a tentative job offer. If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing a scheduled appointment, we may rescind a tentative job offer. An official, written job offer will be issued once all requirements have been verified.

Other Information

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across NASA within the local commuting area(s) of the location(s) identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) within NASA. CTAP/ICTAP will be cleared for any additional selection from this announcement. Other duty locations not specifically listed on this announcement may be considered at management's discretion. For purposes of Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) selection priority, well-qualified is defined as possessing knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies which clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position, as determined through SME review of the resume/application. If you have special priority selection rights under ICTAP, you must: Indicate your eligibility when applying for a position. Exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. Submit proof that you meet the requirements for ICTAP as indicated in "Required Documents." For additional information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/#ictap. Any applicant that received a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) from the federal government within the last five years based of the closing date of this announcement, if selected, may be required to repay the full amount prior to establishing a start date. For additional information on the VSIP repayment requirement, click here - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/voluntary-separation-incentive-payments/. Per Executive Order 14343, this position is not part of a bargaining unit. Probationary Period You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. If selected, the requirement to serve such period will be determined by Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 11. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Supervisory probationary periods are not subject to the above process, although, if a standard probationary period is required. You are subject to the conditions of both a standard probationary period and the supervisory probationary period.

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