Overview:

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.   

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do: 

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

The Operations Research Branch (ORB) of the Signals and Systems Division (SASD) in the Advanced Concepts Laboratory (ACL) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Operations Research Systems Analyst in Atlanta, Georgia. SASD engages in research related to high-impact, technical analysis for U.S. Government projects. The division's mission is to shape the development of next-generation technical capabilities and strengthen our national defense through leading-edge research and analytic support, informed by a deep knowledge of operational capabilities, current intelligence, and the related information environment.

ACL develops tailored solutions for a broad range of national security challenges through disciplined application of physics- and effects-based modeling to realizable
systems, augmented with prototype development and testing.

ORB research engineers and scientists work on a variety of tasks, varying from project to project and depending on the individual's skills and interests. Opportunity is provided to grow through learning experiences at work. The types of tasks include:
• Model development
• Verification and validation of models
• Analysis of alternatives
• Systems performance evaluation
• Requirements analysis
• Risk assessments
• Evaluation of test results
• System performance prediction
• Development of revolutionary space systems technologies

Job Purpose

The Operations Research / Systems Analyst (OR/SA) applies advanced analytical and systems engineering methods to support critical decision making. The OR/SA researches, develops, and integrates new and existing system simulation frameworks, prediction models, logical models, and analysis techniques. The OR/SA also models operational environments, performs trade studies via computer simulation and provides decision support for alternative architectures. In addition, the OR/SE designs and develops decision support tools that integrate modeling and simulation into intuitive and interactive graphical user interfaces. The OR/SE also elicits information from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and stakeholders, and iterates with them to develop qualitative models of their expertise and/or needs and utilizes applied statistical analysis, machine learning, optimization, and visualization to support defensible decisions and decision processes. In addition, the OR/SA conceptualizes, designs, and develops software solutions to implement system simulations, models and analyses and develops, integrates, and tests software and conceptual ideas to implement decision making methods and processes. Lastly, the OR/SA develops methods, processes and software tools to help design, integrate and manage complex systems and system engineering processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all technical aspects of supporting defensible decision making, including directing multiple lab resources for large scale products or system deployments
• Manage sub-contractor resources supporting all system engineering areas
• Develop and implement approaches to address the sponsors' needs within the contractual schedule and budget
• Develop technical reports detailing models used and processes followed for developing a decision support solution
• Review and verify work-products are consistent, accurate, and that they address the needs of the sponsor
• Serve as a resource and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for operations research and systems engineering tools and technologies
• Mentor and support the teaching and training of student employees and junior-level researchers
• Significantly contribute to whitepapers and proposals

Additional Responsibilities

• Advise senior government and industry stakeholders in strategy related to operations analysis
• Lead technical projects based on operational analysis of advanced systems of systems
• Capture external funding for future projects that involve operational scenarios and architecture analysis

Required Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
• Understanding of operational analysis methods and techniques
• Depth of understanding of the current and future threat environment relevant to SASD’s technical scope
• Good verbal and written communication skills. Able to convey technical material in a clear, concise manner to a nontechnical audience
• Able to act in varied roles as both a technical resource and in leadership positions
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• MS or PhD in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline
  • Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered. The candidate must have a graduation date of no later than May 2026.
• Demonstrated proficiency with quantitative operational modeling using tools such as AFSIM, Cyber Assassin, or other mission-level modeling and simulation environments
• Experience with Electronic Warfare signal processing techniques, systems, and/or tactical implementation
• Operational experience flying USAF, USN, or USMC tactical aircraft
• Experience with any or all of the following languages:
  • C, C++
  • Python
  • Java
  • MATLAB
  • Rust
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Depth of knowledge of defense-related business and technical priorities
• Experience writing successful

Travel Requirements

10% - 25% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• 7 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• 4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.

Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits at GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (“USG”) and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual’s race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.