Come be a part of something big! Smart Minds, Cool Jobs and Awesome Rewards! Fueled by innovation, talent and ambition, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is seeking civilian professionals prepared to deploy war-winning capabilities on behalf of the United States Air Force.
OPEN: 13 APRIL 2026
CLOSES: 30 APRIL 2026
**IMPORTANT**
- AFNWC is requiring the 2-page resume format for our job announcements. Please access this link to learn more about what to include in your resume: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
- Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience, education, and professional development is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.
- The hiring manager will reject any illegible/unreadable resumes or resumes that do not comply with the 2-page limitation.
- Provide all academic degrees, professional military education and any other professional certifications on your 2-page resume.
Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) is currently seeking a full-time Operations Research Analyst (Cost) Technical SME to work in the Sentinel Systems Division at Hill Air Force Base near Layton, Utah.
This position (986397) is an NH-1515-04 which has a typical 2026 salary range of $125,776 - $192,331 (including locality pay).
*Recruitment, Relocation, Retention, and Student Loan Incentives may be authorized.
Are you interested in applying your cost analysis skills to deliver the next generation of nuclear deterrence for America? The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Directorate is recruiting for an Operations Research Analyst (Cost) Technical SME. You will work as part of the cost analysis team supporting the Air Force’s critical weapon systems.
DUTIES:
- Serves as a technical subject matter expert on cost matters for a Sentinel Integrated Product Team.
- Performs a broad range of cost and operations research analysis assignments entailing unique problems, creativity, innovative techniques, advanced approaches, and new technology.
- Employs scientific and analytical techniques to define, quantify, and evaluate the feasibility of assigned projects, studies, and problems.
- Performs independent analysis leading to defensible analytical conclusions that recommend continuance on a course of action or recommend alternatives to senior AF leaders
- Designs, researches, and conducts complex, major developmental studies that are unique, difficult to define, and require unconventional approaches on high visibility programs
- Determines interview queries and data collection methodologies, designs, and tests to compile, organize, and analyze data to include the cost of related systems using historical data, government data bases, and commercial pricing information
- Translates data into cost models, phased cost profiles, and assumptions or conclusions that must be defensible through review and integration into the overarching financial assessments and cost estimates.
- Identifies analytical deficiencies, trends, or problem areas and recommends improvement on development efforts which will allow sound and timely decisions by senior leaders.
- Provides technical guidance and independently resolves complex problems and issues involving the development of models and/or programs,
- Analyzes and integrates contractor performance data to forecast cost and schedule status (demonstrated earned value management knowledge and techniques preferred).
- Integrates disparate information and documents analyses in models, program documents, and presentations in a manner that is consistent with Air Force, Higher Headquarters, and program office processes.
SKILLS:
- At least six (6) years of relevant cost-related technical experience is highly desired to perform this critical Cost Estimating role. Specialized experience at the NH-04 or equivalent grade is highly preferred.
- Demonstrates ability to bring advanced scientific and experimental techniques to bear on strategic cost analysis and estimating or modeling of cost profiles.
- Demonstrated background in DoD acquisition processes, cost estimating, and earned value management is highly preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency in mathematical and statistical modeling is highly recommended.
- Demonstrated ability to amalgamate data to create documents/reports/presentations and effectively explain findings and recommendations to senior leaders and diverse audiences is strongly valued.
- Experience in calculating and forecasting future costs and resources associated with systems, projects, and programs is ideal.
- Experience performing independent studies, making informed recommendations to support investment decisions and various management reviews (e.g., milestone reviews, estimate reviews, etc.) is a plus.
- Familiarity with various economic indicators and cost estimating software, tools, and methodologies is desired.
- Demonstrated ability to determine objectives, make sound, risk-based decisions, set priorities, and successfully accomplish organizational goals is highly desired.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:
- U.S. CITIZENSHIP
- Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance and will be required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
- To qualify as an Operations Research Analyst, the employee must meet both the college education and specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for the 1515 occupational series: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/
- Degree Requirement: Employee must have a bachelor or graduate 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.
- This is a DoD Financial Management Level 3 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 within 24 months of assignment. This position also requires the employee to engage in acquisition continuous learning activities achieving 40 Continuous Learning points every 24 months.
- This position is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Business - Cost Estimating (Advanced) certification requirements applicable to the career category designated on the position description within 24 months of assignment. This position also requires the employee to engage in acquisition continuous learning activities achieving 40 Continuous Learning points every 24 months.
- In accordance with the Ethics in Government Act, 1978, employee may be required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
- Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
HOW TO APPLY:
- When applying at the link below, please use Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word format) and any additional documents (e.g., certifications, DD214, SF-50, etc.). UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED WHEN APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION TO SHOW QUALIFYING MATH COURSES.
- Apply: https://afcs.experience.crmforce.mil/s/registration?jobId=a05Rw000005A2QfIAK by Midnight Eastern Time 30 APRIL 2026.
- Permanent Change of Station (PCS) will be covered. Recruitment incentives/relocation expenses may be covered.
- To find all current job and internship opportunities at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, visit the AFNWC webpage at: https://www.afnwc.af.mil/About-Us/Jobs/.
- To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please subscribe at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to “Get Career Updates.”
- If you have questions about this position or about the application process, please contact AFNWC Talent Acquisition at afnwc.dpd.talentacquisitions@us.af.mil .
U.S. citizenship required. AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be of legal working age.