Operations Research Analyst SME

Description

JOB SUMMARY

AS A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT (SME) OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST WITH A FOCUS ON INNOVATION, YOU WILL PROVIDE ADVANCED EXPERTISE IN APPLYING ANALYTICAL, QUANTITATIVE, AND OPERATIONAL RESEARCH TECHNIQUES TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT INNOVATION INITIATIVES. YOU WILL LEAD EFFORTS IN DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING INNOVATIVE MODELS, SIMULATIONS, AND DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS THAT ENHANCE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND DECISION-MAKING WITHIN U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

THIS ROLE INVOLVES LEVERAGING YOUR DEEP SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE TO GUIDE GOVERNMENT CLIENTS THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES, PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS, AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT ALIGN WITH MISSION OBJECTIVES. YOU WILL COLLABORATE WITH MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAMS TO DELIVER CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH AND OPERATIONAL INSIGHTS IN AREAS LIKE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI), AUTOMATION, AND ADVANCED ANALYTICS.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Innovation Leadership:

Serve as the primary subject matter expert on operations research methodologies and innovation strategies. Provide technical guidance and thought leadership on integrating advanced analytics, AI, and emerging technologies into government operations.

• Advanced Operational Research & Modeling:

Develop, refine, and oversee the implementation of complex mathematical models, simulations, and algorithms designed to solve mission-critical problems. Use operations research techniques such as linear programming, stochastic modeling, and simulation analysis.

• Decision Support & Policy Development:

Lead the design of decision-support systems and frameworks, enabling government leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions on innovation projects. Provide input on policy and strategy development to promote an innovation-driven culture.

• Research & Technology Forecasting:

Conduct in-depth research into emerging trends and technologies that impact operational efficiency and innovation, including AI, automation, machine learning, and big data. Advise government clients on how to effectively integrate these technologies into their strategic plans.

• Program Oversight & Evaluation:

Lead complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring that innovation programs are properly scoped, managed, and delivered on time and within budget. Evaluate the success of these programs by applying advanced quantitative methods and generating data-driven insights.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:

Act as a key liaison between government stakeholders, contractors, and technical experts to identify innovation opportunities and operational improvements. Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and decision-makers.

• Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

Leverage your subject matter expertise to develop and recommend strategies for continuous improvement in operational processes, organizational change, and innovation integration across government departments.

• Training & Mentoring:

Provide mentorship and training to junior analysts and government personnel, helping to build internal capabilities in operations research and innovation. Deliver technical workshops and presentations to elevate analytical skills within the organization.

WHY WORK FOR GMRE?

GMRE is a small veteran owned company who cares about our employees. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO), or Paid Sick Leave (PSL) based on state laws, paid holidays, and life insurance to all permanent full-time employees. GMRE’s mission is to provide high quality engineering and technical services to help our customers grow and succeed. 

GMRE is an equal opportunity employer. GMRE is committed to making employment decisions based on valid requirements, without regard to age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local laws.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Advanced proficiency in operations research methodologies such as linear programming, game theory, simulation, and decision analysis.
• Strong technical expertise in data science tools (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB) and statistical analysis software.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data and research into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Leadership capabilities, including project management experience and the ability to guide cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle high-impact, mission-critical projects with competing priorities.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Extensive experience with federal innovation programs (e.g., AFWERX, ARCWERX or government innovation labs).
• Certifications such as Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and optimization algorithms.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and other innovation management frameworks. Strong project management skills, with a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.  
•  Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data and findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Certifications in relevant fields (e.g., Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Lean Six Sigma, or Project Management Professional (PMP)).  
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential impact on USAF and DoD.
• Certifications such as Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar credentials.  
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies, or other innovation driven management frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing innovation-focused projects within federal agencies (e.g., AFWERX, ARCWERX, or other innovation labs).
• Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience in technology-driven fields such as software development, aerospace, defense, or IT systems integration.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

A Subject Matter Expert is an individual whose qualifications and/or particular expertise are exceptional and/or highly unique. Subject Matter Experts do not have specific experience/education qualifications, but are typically identified as recognized Industry leaders for a given area of expertise. Subject Matter Experts typically perform the following kinds of functions: Initiates, supervises, and/or develops requirements from a project’s inception to conclusion for complex to extremely complex programs; Provides strategic advice, technical guidance and expertise to program and project staff; Provides detailed analysis, evaluation and recommendations for improvements, optimization development, and/or maintenance efforts for client-specific or mission critical challenges/issues; Consults with client to define need or problem supervises studies and leads surveys to collect and analyze data to provide advice and recommend solutions.

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Data Science, or related quantitative field preferred
• 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCH, DATA ANALYTICS, OR QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS, WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON INNOVATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.

Experience:

• DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE LEADING LARGE-SCALE, COMPLEX RESEARCH PROJECTS OR INNOVATION PROGRAMS WITHIN GOVERNMENT OR DEFENSE SECTORS.
• EXPERTISE IN DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING MATHEMATICAL MODELS, OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES, AND DATA ANALYSIS METHODS IN SUPPORT OF DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES.  
•  EXPERIENCE WORKING IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OR SUPPORTING FEDERAL AGENCIES IN DATA DRIVEN DECISION MAKING.  

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a minimum of an active U.S. SECRET clearance and be subject to a government security investigation. 
• Driving or renting a car for company business is expected with some frequency. For insurance purposes, a valid driver’s license is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

TRAVEL REQUIRED

• Position may travel up to 50% of the time out of state and overnight to fulfill contract requirements.