Sr. Operations Research Analyst

Senior Operations Research Analyst
National Security Space | Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) | TS/SCI + SAP
A growing defense and space-focused organization is seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Research Analyst to support some of the nation’s most critical national security space missions. This is an opportunity to work alongside elite operators, engineers, and mission planners to drive next-generation, responsive space capabilities for the Department of the Air Force and national security customers.
This role supports a portfolio of advanced space initiatives, including Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) missions, rapid-acquisition programs, and operational mission-planning efforts in highly dynamic, mission-critical environments.
We are looking for a technically strong and operationally minded leader who thrives in fast-paced programs, understands the realities of national security space operations, and can help bridge strategy, acquisition, systems integration, and mission execution.
What You’ll Do
As a Senior Operations Research Analyst, you will play a key role in planning, integrating, and executing responsive space missions from concept through on-orbit operations.
Responsibilities include:
• Leading mission planning and execution activities supporting Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) operations
• Supporting spacecraft integration, launch coordination, ground systems integration, logistics, and on-orbit mission execution
• Conducting mission analysis, readiness exercises, operational planning, and CONOPS development
• Serving as a trusted technical advisor to government customers, mission partners, and senior stakeholders
• Leading technical integration efforts across spacecraft buses, payloads, software, mission systems, and ground architectures
• Managing technical risk identification, mitigation planning, and mission readiness assessments
• Providing operational and technical analysis of space and ground architectures to support mission decisions
• Supporting the development of mission planning, command and control (C2), and operational software requirements
• Assisting with rapid acquisition initiatives, including SBIRs, OTAs, and accelerated procurement efforts
• Leading technical proposal evaluations and supporting source selection activities
• Managing programmatic execution activities, including schedules, cost tracking, MIPRs, Form 9s, and performance metrics
• Coordinating across contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and government teams to maintain execution timelines
• Applying Joint Warfighting concepts and operational planning frameworks, including DIME, OODA Loop, and JPP, into mission planning and execution
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
• Active TS/SCI clearance with SAP access
• 15+ years of experience supporting National Security Space programs
• 10+ years of experience with spacecraft systems, ground systems, launch operations, and/or mission integration
• 5+ years of direct operational mission planning or space operations experience
• Strong understanding of responsive space operations, mission integration, and space architecture
• Experience supporting rapid acquisition or accelerated development programs (SBIR, OTA, or similar environments)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical integration efforts in complex mission environments
• Strong analytical, operational planning, and technical risk management capabilities
• Excellent communication and briefing skills with experience engaging senior government leadership
• Ability to work onsite within secure government environments
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting the Department of the Air Force, Space Force, SSC, SpRCO, or related national security space organizations
• Familiarity with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
• Experience supporting classified space programs and rapid-response mission environments
• Operational understanding of CCMD processes and Joint operational planning
Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline required
• Master’s Degree in STEM, Operations Research, Engineering, Business, or related field preferred
Why Join Us
• Work on mission-critical national security space programs with real-world operational impact