Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Analytical Strategist
- Operations Research Analyst (Ops Research Analyst)
- Operations Research Scientist (Ops Research Scientist)
- Researcher
Alternate Job Titles
- Advanced Analytics Associate
- Analytical Strategist
- Analytics Consultant
- Business Analyst
- Business Operations Analyst
- Business Process Analyst
- Continuous Improvement Specialist
- Decision Analyst
- Decision Support Analyst
- File System Installer
- Forms Analyst
- Liaison Planner
- Material Liaison
- Methods Analyst
- Methods Consultant
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Systems Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Number Facility
- Information Ordering
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Achievement Orientation
- Dependability
- Innovation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Master's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Amazon Redshift
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
- Apple macOS
- Bash
- C
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Extensible markup language XML
- GitHub
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Mainframe computers
- Personal computers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Spend Time Sitting
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $53,910 |
| Median | $91,290 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $159,280 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 107,760
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Data Scientists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $112,590
Management Analysts
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $101,190
Software Developers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $133,080
Database Architects
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $135,980
Computer Systems Analysts
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $103,790
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.