Operations Analyst Jobs in District of Columbia
Operations Analyst jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in one of the most active markets in the country, driven by the dense presence of federal agencies, defense contractors, and policy-focused nonprofits that depend heavily on operational intelligence and process improvement. Most hiring clusters in Washington D.C. itself, with notable activity in surrounding areas like Arlington and Bethesda. Employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and MITRE consistently recruit operations analysts across entry, mid, and senior levels, with strong demand in government consulting, program management, and data-driven operations roles. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Operations Analyst JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 54+ Operations Analyst jobs









Summary
View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.
Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chief Financial Officer, Office of Budget & Program Performance in Washington, District of Columbia.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Clarification from the agency
These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupation and is open to all U.S. citizens.
Duties
As an Operations Research Analyst, at the full performance you will perform the following duties:
- Identified, formulated, and defined trends; designs research and study methods; developed, applied and interpreted appropriate models and methods in conducting operations research analysis; recommended new or amended legislation, policies and or procedures as they related to the effective and efficient management of the organizations resources.
- Provide analytic concepts to provide validity of assumptions made and the criteria by which alternatives will be assessed.
- Facilitates discussions with program-level operations research analyst(s) across the Agency including managers, subject matter experts, and law enforcement personnel to clarify issues and objectives to improve data quality and reporting.
- Performs risk-related cost-benefit analyses; develops mitigation strategies to address those gaps/risks; offering recommendations to mitigate risks associated with not obtaining appropriated resources for staffing and budget.
- Develops or recommends new policies and or procedures as they relate to the effective and efficient management of the organizations resources.
- Facilitates meetings with program stakeholders thorough all levels of directorates.
- Collaborates with Subject Matter Experts and Leadership to understand their program requirements. Clarifies issues into operational plans to understand their business process.
- Provide support to Management and Programs for strategic planning and assistance related to data research, analysis, modeling design and development, reporting and communicating results.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- You must successfully pass a background investigation.
- You must successfully pass a drug screen.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
- Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Qualifications
Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
Basic Education 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.
In addition to the basic requirements listed above:
You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
- Assisted in designing research and study methodologies; developing, applying, and interpreting appropriate models to conduct quantitative analyses that support effective planning, coordination, and acquisition life cycle program management
- Supported the development of recommendations for implementing operational requirements identification, documentation, and delivery
- Performed analysis through various approaches, regression (all types), and forecasted techniques
- Supported project management activities such as the translation of research to project phases, planning methods of approach, subdividing project components, etc.
You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
- Applying quantitative and qualitative analysis to a variety of complex problems (to include, but not limited to: operations processes, business and management processes, mission support to programs, allocating resources, measuring performance, designing systems, managing logistics, budget analysis, work distribution, or analyzing large databases) to assist senior leaders in decision-making and problem solving of complex operational issues;
- Experience utilizing mathematical models (to include but not limited to: Monte Carlo simulation, linear and nonlinear programming, dynamic programming, queuing and other stochastic-process models, Markov decision processes, econometric methods, data envelopment analysis, neural networks, expert systems, decision analysis, and the analytic hierarchy process) to describe system or process being studied.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Education
- For GS-12 Education: There is no education substitution for this grade level.
Additional information
Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.
Note: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
Review our benefits
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Decision Making
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.
Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). Staffing Policy View information on veterans' preference.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well qualified category for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
Required Documents
- 2-Page Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. In describing your experience on your resume, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. (for more information, see the How do I write a resume for a federal Job-Two-Page Resume Limit).
- Transcripts: Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
- Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the SF-15 and provide documentation that demonstrates preference eligibility. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
- Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Plan (ICTAP)? If so, submit a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
- Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13061801, and assessmentand submit all the required documentation as specified in the HOW TO APPLY and the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/13/2026.
The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on11/13/2026.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Agency contact information
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the minimally qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Overview
- 1515 Operations Research
- National security
See All 54 Operations Analyst Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Analyst JobsOperations Analyst Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Analyst Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations analyst jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, or a related analytical field required
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, or Tableau strongly preferred
- Familiarity with federal government operations, contracting, or program management a consistent advantage
- Active or obtainable security clearance frequently required for D.C.-area government and defense roles
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder reporting and cross-agency coordination
- Project management experience or PMP certification increasingly requested by D.C. employers
Operations Analyst Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations analyst in District of Columbia?
Operations analysts in District of Columbia typically need a bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, public policy, or a quantitative field, as no state-issued license is required for the role. The D.C. market places particular weight on familiarity with government operations and federal procurement processes. Many candidates strengthen their candidacy with a PMP certification or relevant graduate coursework, while experience in a government agency, think tank, or consulting firm provides a practical foundation that D.C. employers consistently prioritize.
How much do operations analysts make in District of Columbia?
Operations analysts in District of Columbia earn a median of about $126,140 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $84,590 for the lowest 10% to over $178,070 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire operations analysts in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring operations analysts in District of Columbia include People, Technology & Processes, General Dynamics Information Technology, and Bryce, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The D.C. market is particularly deep in government contracting firms, federal agencies, and mission-driven organizations that rely on operations analysts to improve program efficiency and manage complex multi-stakeholder projects.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most operations analyst jobs?
The cities with the most operations analyst openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington D.C. anchors the market as the seat of federal government and home to a dense cluster of contractors and nonprofits, while neighboring areas like Arlington and Bethesda draw significant hiring from defense agencies and large consulting firms with major regional offices there.
Are there remote operations analyst jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than many fields, because operations analyst work is largely desk-based, analytical, and deliverable-focused. About 74% of operations analyst openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the region's strong consulting and policy sector presence. Strategy, reporting, and data analysis tasks are most commonly performed remotely, while roles tied to classified government work or on-site program oversight typically require in-person attendance.
How can I get hired as a operations analyst in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in D.C. is through internships or analyst associate programs at federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or Department of Health and Human Services, or at large contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos that run structured entry-level cohorts. Adjacent roles in program coordination, administrative analysis, or budget assistance frequently transition into full operations analyst positions. Earning a PMP certification or demonstrating proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools gives early-career candidates a meaningful edge in this competitive market.
Where can I find and apply to operations analyst jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to operations analyst jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the D.C. area. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, experience level, and preferred work arrangement, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 54 Operations Analyst Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Analyst Jobs