Also called:
Advanced Analytics Associate, Operations Research Analyst, Operations Research Director, Operations Research Manager
In the Air Force:
Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Apprentice, Russian; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Russian; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Helper, Russian; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Persian; All Source Intelligence Analyst Craftsman; Fusion Analyst Helper, Analysis and Production; Geospatial Intelligence Craftsman, Targeteer; Human Intelligence Specialist Helper; Signals Intelligence Analyst Helper, Communications; Space Systems Operations Superintendent
In the Army:
All Source Intelligence Technician; Chief Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sergeant; Field Artillery (FA) Firefinder Radar Operator; Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst; Intelligence Senior Sergeant/Chief Intelligence Sergeant; Operations Research/Systems Analysis; Signals Collector/Analyst; Signals Intelligence Analysis Technician; Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant; Trained Operations Research/System Analysis (ORSA)
In the Marine Corps:
Communications Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Operator; Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Specialist; Field Artillery Operations Man; Geographic Intelligence Specialist; Imagery Analysis Specialist; Intelligence Specialist; Operations Analyst; Operations Research Specialist; Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Analyst; Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare/Cyberspace Operations Chief
In the Navy:
CWO - Information Systems Technician; CWO - Intelligence; Intelligence Specialist; LDO - Information Warfare; LDO - Meteorology/Oceanography; Mathematics Research Officer; Navigation and Plotting Specialist; Operations Analyst; RL - Special Duty Officer (Oceanography); RL - Special Duty Officer - Intelligence Officer
Weighing the costs and benefits of different solutions to complex problems, operations research analysts help organizations make better decisions. Operations research analysts use modeling software to simulate current and future events, and explore how altering the costs, schedules and other variables, might affect results. Their first step is exploring the problem at hand… then observing business processes in action… interviewing the clients or managers involved… and collecting other relevant data. With data in hand, analysts help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain, and set prices. For example, they may help decide how to organize products in supermarkets, the best way to ship products, or even what an airline should charge for tickets. Almost all operations research analysts work full time, and are employed by finance and insurance companies, private consulting firms, manufacturing, and for the Department of Defense. Most of their time is spent in an office, but they may visit organizations to gather data. They often work in teams with experts from a variety of different fields. Though many positions require a master’s or Ph.D., a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most entry-level positions. Typical majors include engineering, computer science, analytics, or mathematics, as well as operations research. Positions with the military are usually filled by military veterans.
What they do:
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decision making, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
On the job, you would:
Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.
Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
Knowledge
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Business
management
Skills
Basic Skills
using math to solve problems
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Abilities
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
use rules to solve problems
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Analytical Thinking
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Innovation
Achievement/Effort
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Analytical or scientific software
Minitab
The MathWorks MATLAB
Operating system software
Job control language JCL
UNIX
Object or component oriented development software
C++
R
Education
master's degree or bachelor's degree usually needed
Job Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
In the Air Force:
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