Operations Research Analysts

What the job really is

Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-2031
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
• Define data requirements, and gather and validate information, applying judgment and statistical tests.
• Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy, and reformulate models, as necessary.
• Prepare management reports defining and evaluating problems and recommending solutions.
• Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
• Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
• Observe the current system in operation, and gather and analyze information about each of the component problems, using a variety of sources.
• Analyze information obtained from management to conceptualize and define operational problems.
• Study and analyze information about alternative courses of action to determine which plan will offer the best outcomes.
• Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
• Specify manipulative or computational methods to be applied to models.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate experimental operational models in cases where models cannot be developed from existing data.

Tools and technology

Amazon Redshift, Apache Hadoop, Apache Hive, Apple macOS, Bash, C, C++, ESRI ArcGIS software, Extensible markup language XML, GitHub, Google Docs, IBM SPSS Statistics

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Data Scientists
• Management Analysts
• Software Developers
• Database Architects
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Statisticians
• Computer and Information Research Scientists
• Business Intelligence Analysts

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Operations Research Analysts — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.