MILITARY ANALYST JOB DESCRIPTION

A Military Analyst is someone who converts raw program data into decisions. That short definition hides considerable complexity: in practice, this role owns the analytical layer between program execution and senior leadership, operating inside classified government or contractor environments where Secret clearance is a baseline entry condition. Budget allocations tied to ship-class expected service life, DOTMLPF-P assessments for future force sustainment, and campaign-level force structure recommendations are all products this role is expected to produce. The work demands fluency in federal acquisition frameworks, sustained coordination with commands such as NAVSEA and TRADOC, and the ability to brief findings credibly to flag officers and senior civilians.

As the Military Analyst, you translate complex operational and programmatic data into actionable recommendations that directly inform acquisition decisions, readiness assessments, and force modernization strategies for defense programs. You work within a government or defense contracting structure, coordinating across engineering, logistics, financial management, and operational commands to keep program objectives on track and properly funded.

Career Impact: Sustained work inside Navy acquisition programs or Army experimentation frameworks builds a level of domain credibility - particularly around DOTMLPF-P analysis and federal budget execution - that is specific to this clearance-held analyst tier and difficult to replicate outside the defense sector.

Business Impact: When a Military Analyst's readiness assessments are accurate, program managers can direct Sustainment funding to the right ships at the right time, preventing gaps in Fleet Readiness that would otherwise require far more costly emergency remediation.

Growth Opportunity: Experience spanning campaign analysis, force structure design, and classified program briefings positions analysts to move into senior program management, operations research leadership, or TRADOC Battle Lab advisory roles as next career steps.

• Analyze readiness and acquisition data, including casualty reports and system availability records, to identify root causes of systemic program failures.
• Monitor budget allocations and financial task planning documents to ensure obligations are executed within authorized funding and schedule parameters.
• Coordinate program documentation across Business Financial Management, Contracting and Procurement, System Engineering, and Logistics functions to support readiness reviews.
• Develop and brief formal presentations, experiment proposals, and program assessments to senior officers, civilian equivalents, and government customers.
• Support life cycle management activities by integrating acquisition planning with in-service sustainment requirements to sustain ship-class or force readiness objectives.
• Lead or contribute to working groups, readiness IPTs, and experimentation forums, including coordination with external commands and academic or industry partners.
• Design and maintain tracking tools, program plans, and analytical models to monitor cost, schedule, and performance across assigned programs.
• Conduct technology and capability assessments using DOTMLPF-P frameworks to identify science and technology solutions for current and future force requirements.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, business, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
• Five or more years of military operations analysis experience, with demonstrated work in program support, readiness, or acquisition environments.
• Active Secret Clearance, with US citizenship required to obtain and maintain clearance.
• Knowledge of federal acquisition frameworks, Navy or Army funding structures, and government program management processes.
• Experience analyzing complex data sets from operational or program sources to produce findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver formal briefings to senior government and military audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple functional disciplines within a classified or controlled environment.

• Master's degree in a STEM or business-related field, with ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in defense program support or military operations research.
• Familiarity with TRADOC, AFC Battle Lab experimentation processes, or Navy in-service program structures including DDG-51 class maintenance readiness.
• Experience with quantitative modeling, simulation analysis, or force structure design in support of campaign-level assessments.
• Eligibility for or active TS clearance with SCI access, particularly for roles supporting advanced modeling or classified force development programs.

• Budget obligation rate against authorized funding windows, measured per program quarter.
• Readiness assessment accuracy, reflected in the percentage of System Health Assessment findings that align with subsequent fleet inspection outcomes.
• Briefing acceptance rate, measured by the share of presented recommendations formally adopted by government customers or program leadership.
• On-time delivery of program plans and tracking products against contract-defined milestones.
• Force structure recommendation adoption rate, tracking how many DOTMLPF-P findings advance into Concept Capability Plans.
• Typical tools: defense financial planning systems (commonly NEPS and ERP platforms); readiness and logistics databases (commonly Navy Data Environment and AMPS)

• Base Salary Range: $85,000 to $130,000 depending on clearance level and experience
• Bonus: performance-based annual bonus, typically 5 to 10 percent of base
• Equity: generally not offered in defense contracting environments
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage, often fully or substantially employer-paid
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus federal holidays
• Common Perks: Clearance sponsorship, tuition reimbursement, and professional development support

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all positions, and certain roles are contingent on the ability to obtain or maintain a government security clearance. Employment offers are conditional on the successful completion of a background investigation appropriate to the clearance level required. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Military Analyst owns budgetary, financial, and logistics support for the DDG-51 Sustainment program, translating technical requirements into programmed budget allocations in support of ship-class expected service life objectives. Working alongside the DDG-51 Readiness Manager and cross-functional teams spanning Business Financial Management, Contracting and Procurement, System Engineering, and Logistics, this role enables Fleet Readiness by integrating acquisition and life cycle management activities across multiple Navy commands and databases.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to the DDG-51 Readiness Manager to plan, develop, and execute budgetary, financial, and logistics activities for the Sustainment budget.
• Monitor acquisition strategies by interpreting and translating technical requirements into programmed budget allocations in support of ship-class expected service life objectives.
• Manage financial task planning sheets and coordinate technical instructions for direct cites efforts.
• Assist in the development and implementation of short and long-term plans to meet goals, assign work, and monitor progress of work products.
• Coordinate across Business Financial Management, Contracting and Procurement, System Engineering, and Logistics to obtain necessary documentation for program readiness.
• Maintain detailed records for analysis and recommendations and develop charts, tracking tools, and spreadsheets for all in-service DDG-51 Class Ships.
• Integrate and coordinate work efforts with related acquisition and life cycle management activities to improve Fleet Readiness.
• Work with various ISEAs on resolutions concerning Ship Readiness, including NSWCs Philadelphia, Corona, Carderock, NAVAIR, NAVSEA, and NAVIFOR.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with ten years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with five years of relevant experience, or a master's degree in a relevant field.
• Active Secret Clearance verifiable in JPAS.
• Previous DDG-51 experience in maintenance readiness for combat systems.
• Knowledge of Navy funding with a focus on O and MN and Project Orders documents.
• Proficiency with NEPS for planned funding, including viewing, creating, and validating Technical Planning Sheets.
• Proficiency with ERP systems for viewing and tracking obligations and expenditures.

Embedded within a classified defense contracting environment, the Military Analyst performs multi-faceted analysis of complex Navy systems and projects to identify root causes of systemic failures and formulate cost-balanced solutions. Working closely with the Readiness Manager, operational, engineering, and logistics activities, and client personnel at a classified site, this role supports ship class readiness capabilities and drives effective resolution of program and project priorities.

Core Functions

• Collaborate with the Readiness Manager and other stakeholders regarding ship class readiness capabilities and systemic failures, and propose potential solutions.
• Apply shipboard knowledge and experience to solve current and mitigate future problem areas.
• Review data from CASREPs, system availability, and parts usage to analyze root causes of complex systemic problems and formulate solutions that balance cost reduction with cost avoidance.
• Build rapport and coordinate with operational, engineering, and logistics activities to bring about effective solutions.
• Coordinate and participate in working groups, program development forums, analytical activities, readiness IPTs, and other forums as required.
• Monitor standards for the quality of programs and documents and assist in the resolution of project and program priorities.
• Develop briefings and other documents demonstrating excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Maintain close coordination with client personnel and perform work at client site in a classified environment as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Up to two years of relevant experience supporting the Navy shipboard environment.
• Familiarity with Navy IT systems such as NDE and NMCI.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative analysis and Navy staff work.
• Experience onboard or maintaining Navy ships, including former enlisted, junior officers, or government service contractors with shipboard maintenance and modernization experience.

Reporting to supply chain leadership, the Military Analyst standardizes and improves the Order to Cash process across Control and Military markets by performing root cause analysis of escalations and driving cross-functional collaboration with partners spanning Commercial, Logistics, Supply Planning, and Manufacturing. Partnering with internal sales teams and external distributors, this role reduces cost-to-serve and enhances the end-to-end customer experience through process improvement, KPI reporting, and system utilization across SAP, Salesforce, and Tableau.

Primary Duties

• Perform root cause analysis of escalations, inquiries, and variations in the Order to Cash process.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners including Commercial, Logistics, R and D, Supply Planning, Demand Planning, and Manufacturing to support customer agenda development.
• Identify and provide best-in-class service experience to customers and internal sales and operations teams.
• Process Control State and Military customer Exception Claims via Salesforce based on respective SLAs.
• Conduct thorough investigations and pursue responses until claims are closed and completed.
• Review control state bailment contracts, flag changes to the correct cross-functional group, and ensure timely submission of contract revisions.
• Lead and coordinate action items related to commercial discussions, customer discussions, leadership meetings, and Monthly Business Reviews.
• Manage RTM changes such as Direct Import changes independently with various internal and external teams to ensure on-time delivery.
• Utilize reporting software including SAP, Salesforce, Tableau, and SAP HANA to create KPIs and metrics around monthly initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or Agile Certification is a plus.
• Three to five or more years of experience in a supply chain role, with customer-facing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Order to Cash processes and supply chain operations across commercial and military markets.
• Proficiency in ERP systems including SAP, Salesforce, Tableau, SAP HANA, and Esker.
• Experience with data mining, database management, process flow mapping, and diagramming tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to all levels of management.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and adapt to organizational change.

Sitting at the intersection of Army sustainment operations and experimentation planning, the Military Analyst assists in developing, coordinating, and synchronizing the SBL annual experimentation program in support of AFC and CASCOM, including executing experiment events and briefing Experiment Proposals to senior officers and civilian equivalents. Operating across Industry, Academia, Major Commands, and CDID Battle Labs, this role informs the development of Concept Capability Plans and Capability Based Analysis that shape future force sustainment requirements.

Duties

• Assist in the development, coordination, and synchronization of the SBL annual experimentation program to include all relevant experiments within the Experimentation Community of Practice.
• Develop and brief Experiment Proposals and other experimentation planning products as identified by COR, SBL, and FCC.
• Execute experiment events as outlined in experiment directives and coordinate with Government and non-Government organizations participating in game preparation and execution.
• Provide sustainment expertise to design and conduct experimentation venues and evaluate outcomes and lessons learned.
• Identify and document warfighter outcomes and recommend potential science and technology solutions to meet future force required capabilities.
• Serve as subject matter expert in Army sustainment operations and brief senior officers and civilian equivalents effectively.
• Support coordination of SBL science and technology efforts with Industry, Academia, other Major Commands, and other CDID Battle Labs.
• Perform studies to investigate emerging issues pertaining to current and future modular sustainment forces, including literature searches, seminars, interviews, and surveys.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Active Secret Security Clearance, with US Citizenship required to obtain and maintain clearance.
• Minimum of twenty years of experience serving in a US military agency in progressively responsible command and staff positions.
• Minimum of two years of experimentation experience serving in a TRADOC or AFC Battle Lab.
• Experience in at least two of the following areas: service or joint doctrine, staff organization and functions, joint operations and exercises at Army Corps level, seminar and study group facilitation, small and large group instruction, post-exercise analysis, and lessons learned compilation and presentation.

A key member of a Navy acquisition program team, the Military Analyst delivers financial and management support across budget development, program planning, and technical performance for the US Navy's newest class of nuclear attack submarines. Collaborating across technical and administrative staff and interfacing directly with end-item customers, this role ensures project outputs are delivered on schedule and within funding while supporting formal briefings and Congressional communications.

Functions

• Provide financial and management support to assist in budget development for the contract.
• Deliver technical performance within cost and schedule parameters through completion of the contract.
• Manage technical and administrative staff and provide ongoing direction in the performance of the assigned program.
• Develop and monitor program plans including time and cost estimates, ensuring delivery of project outputs on schedule and within funding.
• Lead technical discussions for project reviews, including preparing and delivering formal briefings.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a business or technical field.
• Ten or more years of experience in engineering and science management, operations research analysis, financial and cost analysis, or a relevant field.
• Ten or more years of experience with Navy acquisition and in-service programs.
• Experience leading a project and interfacing with an end-item customer.
• Active Duty experience in the submarine service is a plus, with recent experience in Team Submarine preferred.
• Strong written communication skills including drafting program impact statements and Congressional Appeals.

Informed Army force development and readiness decisions depend on the Military Analyst, who leads the development and employment of modeling and simulation analysis tools, algorithm updates, and software updates in support of operational campaign analysis and force structure allocation. Based within a defense research environment and serving senior executives and General and Flag officers in the Department of Defense, this role advances multi-year model development plans grounded in Data as a Service, Modeling and Simulation as a Service, and Digital Engineering design principles.

Accountabilities

• Lead development and employment of modeling and simulation analysis tools, algorithm updates, and software updates in support of operational campaign analysis and force structure allocation.
• Evaluate all project aspects including design, development, execution, and implementation of advances in computer science, data science, and cloud computing approaches.
• Identify capability needs and trace solution recommendations for project and product-level development priorities.
• Connect project requirements to modernization priorities, Data as a Service approaches, Modeling and Simulation as a Service techniques, and Digital Engineering design principles.
• Develop and implement multi-year model maintenance and development plans.
• Communicate findings and analysis to senior executives and General and Flag officers in the Department of Defense.

Background and Experience

• Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to receive a TS clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Ten or more years of experience in military operations analysis spanning campaign analysis, force structure design, project management, quantitative methods, data analysis, and knowledge management.
• Expertise in Army force development, readiness, and modernization priorities.
• Proficiency in modeling and simulation tools, data science methods, and cloud computing approaches.