Operations Research / Systems Analyst (ORSA) - Optimization & Mathematical Programming
Summary
Designs and solves complex optimization models to allocate personnel, budget, and resources for a federal agency’s security operations using mathematical programming and analytics.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Mathematical Optimization & Resource Allocation
- Formulate real-world resource allocation problems as mathematical optimization models (linear programming, integer programming, mixed-integer programming)
- Develop and implement optimization algorithms for complex assignment problems including adjudicator workload distribution, facility inspection scheduling, and investigator allocation
- Apply constraint programming and heuristic methods to solve large-scale, computationally challenging optimization problems
- Build decision support tools that enable operational leaders to explore tradeoffs and make resource deployment decisions with mathematical rigor
Strategic Analysis & Decision Support
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses and apply mathematical programming techniques to optimize the distribution of personnel, budgetary, and operational resources across competing requirements
- Apply risk-based optimization to prioritize facility assessments, case assignments, and inspection schedules based on threat levels and resource constraints
- Perform trade-space analysis and sensitivity studies to understand how optimal solutions change under different assumptions, constraints, or objectives
- Develop multi-objective optimization approaches that balance competing goals (speed, quality, cost, risk mitigation)
Model Development & Implementation
- Utilize optimization solvers (Gurobi, CPLEX, or open-source alternatives like Pyomo, PuLP, OR-Tools) to implement and solve mathematical models
- Validate optimization model outputs against historical operational data and subject matter expert judgment
- Develop prescriptive analytics that recommend specific actions based on optimization results
- Create scenario planning tools that allow decision-makers to explore "what-if" questions regarding resource allocation strategies
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with modeling/simulation specialists to incorporate predictive analytics into optimization formulations
- Partner with data engineering specialists to obtain empirically-grounded parameters, constraints, and objective function coefficients
- Translate mathematical optimization results into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical decision-makers
- Present optimization approaches, tradeoff analyses, and recommendations to senior leadership
- Participate in cross-functional team activities to maintain technical standards and share knowledge
Required Skills & Experience
- 8+ years of progressive, hands-on operations research experience, including demonstrated application of mathematical optimization, resource allocation modeling, and prescriptive analytics to real-world operational problems
- 3–5 years of that experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community mission areas such as personnel vetting, industrial security (NISP), counterintelligence, or insider threat
- Expert-level proficiency in mathematical optimization including linear programming, integer programming, and mixed-integer programming
- Hands-on experience with optimization solvers (Gurobi, CPLEX, FICO Xpress, or open-source alternatives such as Pyomo, PuLP, OR-Tools, COIN-OR)
- Demonstrated ability to formulate real-world problems as mathematical programs, including objective function design and constraint identification
- Proven proficiency in an analytical programming language (Python or R), with emphasis on optimization modeling libraries
- Experience with constraint programming and heuristic solution methods for large-scale or computationally difficult problems
- Strong foundation in algorithm design, computational complexity, and solution methods
- Ability to validate optimization models using operational data and communicate results to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience working in secure (classified) government environments
- Secret clearance required (active or ability to obtain)
Desired Skills & Experience
- Advanced degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, Management Science, or a related quantitative discipline
- Familiarity with NISP, clearance adjudication processes, and/or insider threat/counterintelligence analytic frameworks
- Experience with nonlinear optimization and stochastic optimization techniques
- Knowledge of multi-objective optimization and Pareto analysis
- Network optimization and graph algorithms (shortest path, max flow, matching problems)
- Experience with scheduling and routing problems (job shop scheduling, vehicle routing)
- Familiarity with game theory and decision analysis under uncertainty
- Knowledge of operations research software (AMPL, GAMS)
- Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) for communicating optimization results
- SQL and database querying skills to support model parameterization
- Knowledge of queueing theory and simulation to better integrate with modeling specialists
- Experience with statistical modeling and risk analysis to inform optimization formulations
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).