Physical Scientist
Veterans Health Administration
Posted: February 5, 2026 (16 days ago)
This job has been posted for 2-4 weeks. Consider applying soon if interested.
Air Force Materiel Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
Utah
Salary
$89,508 - $138,370
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $62,107 - $80,737
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-10. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years graduate study.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves using math and data analysis to study and improve Air Force weapons systems and support programs, helping to solve management issues and recommend the best options.
It's ideal for someone with a strong background in operations research who enjoys applying scientific methods to real-world defense challenges.
The role requires ongoing training in financial and acquisition skills to support nuclear weapons center projects in Utah.
Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position, OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST NH-1515-03, is to serve as the primary operations research analyst for a weapons system, sustainment or support program office within the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center.
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Employee needs to meet the education and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards, Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards and Operations Research Series 1515 https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ Operations Research Series 1515, Individual Occupational Requirements: Basic Requirement: Degree: 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. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NH-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11 or equivalent in other pay systems.
Specialized experience is experience performing scientific work that involves research and cost analysis, designing, developing, and adapting mathematical, statistical, econometric, and other scientific methods and techniques.
The work also involves analyzing management problems and providing advice and insight about the probable effects of alternative solutions to these problems.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
This is a Financial Management Level 2 Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d.
Incumbent shall comply with the requirements of this certification program. Financial Management Certification Coding: FMC02 - FM Certification Level 2.
This position requires the employee to engage in continuous education training (CET) activities achieving 60 Continuous Learning points by 31 December every 24 months after certification.
This position has been designated as a Non-Critical Acquisition Position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification requirements applicable to the career category designated on the position description within 48 months of assignment to the position: DAWIA Business-Cost Estimation (BUS-CE) Practitioner.
This position also requires the employee to engage in acquisition continuous learning activities achieving 80 Continuous Learning points every 24 months.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1.
Knowledge of a broad range of operations research analysis techniques and possession of analytical abilities. 2.
Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions. 3.
Skill to negotiate and/or defend findings and program support concepts. 4.
Ability to lead study teams and originate new ideas, projects, and methodologies; and execute projects and/or studies within established financial and/or time constraints. 5.
Ability to develop and utilize appropriate data collection techniques, and design, build, and use models and simulation techniques.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major Duties:
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is currently seeking four full-time Operations Research Analysts to work in the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Systems Directorate at Hill Air Force Base near Layton, Utah.
These positions are NH-1515-03 which have a typical 2026 salary range of $89,508 -$138,370.
Perform a broad range of operations research analyses assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative use of techniques, advanced approaches, and/or new technologies.
Utilize scientific inquiry in the independent development of mathematical models and computer programs to evaluate and predict the ability to support assigned projects, studies, or problems.
Provide technical guidance, advisory support, and assistance on an entire project and/or major phases for broad and varied operations.
Attend meetings, conferences, briefings, and seminars related to program planning, advanced technologies, and support system concepts.
Accomplish professional development and maintain technical proficiency through professional interaction with technical and professional societies, associations, academia, symposia, contractors, research and development (R&D) organizations, and participation in formal training programs.
DESIRED SKILLS: Professional knowledge of a wide range of principles, concepts, and practices of operations research analysis to apply scientific methods and techniques to analyze systems, processes, and/or operational problems and procedures.
Ability to perform studies and prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence to communicate findings, recommendations, and conclusions clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of quantitative techniques and methods used to develop, adapt, modify, and apply models to resolve problems or define and clarify alternative solutions.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and apply operations research rules and procedures in a variety of situations and recommend solutions to senior engineers and analysts.
Ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors and fundamental relationships, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
Ability to plan and organize work and confer with co-workers effectively.
Strong quantitative skills, expert problem-solving ability, adeptness in the use of logic and above-average communication skills.
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