Job Overview

This job announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 9 September 2025.

OPEN TO CURRENT AFMC CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY

AFWERX seeks to hire a mid-level DR-1515-02, Operation Research/Due Diligence Research Analyst in AFVentures (AFRL/RGV). Due Diligence focuses on foreign risk to small businesses and investment opportunities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading a contract team in conducting research, analyzing data, and identifying potential risks associated with international business activities and investments. This role requires a strong understanding of global markets, regulatory environments, and risk assessment methodologies, as well as the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Position duties include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee Analytical Efforts & Quality Control: Provide direct oversight and first-line quality control for analytical efforts performed by contractors or other support elements.
• Conduct Foreign Risk Assessments: Execute foreign risk assessments, including the creation and presentation of analytical deliverables.
• In-depth Research & Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of foreign markets, industries, and regulatory environments to support the due diligence program.
• Risk Evaluation: Utilize public and private information to evaluate risks originating from foreign ownership, employee connections, patents, and cybersecurity.
• Information Synthesis: Gather, review, and synthesize information from various sources, including public records, financial statements, news articles, and databases, to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities.
• Methodology & Tool Development: Develop and maintain risk assessment methodologies and tools to evaluate the impact of foreign risks on small businesses and investment opportunities.
• Collaboration & Recommendations: Collaborate with the program manager, program lead, and other team members to provide data-driven insights and recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Program Monitoring & Updates: Monitor global developments, industry trends, and emerging risks to inform and update the due diligence program.
• Training & Education Support: Assist in the development and delivery of training and educational materials to enhance the understanding of foreign risks and due diligence best practices among internal and external stakeholders.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including data privacy and anti-corruption requirements.
• Record Maintenance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of research findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Reporting Support: Support the program manager or program lead in preparing regular updates and reports for senior management on program progress, key findings, and recommendations.

Pay Range: $74,734- $117,351 base salary without locality. The locality will be determined based on the selected candidate's geographical location at either Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH, Los Angeles, CA or Arlington, VA(Pentagon).

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance and regularly access a DAF-maintained SCIF.
• This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent will be subject to random testing.
• Applicants must have at least (1) one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level; DR/DO-01, GS-12 or equivalent in other pay systems. Experience gained in non-federal positions will also be reviewed for specialized experience. Specialized experience with data architecture & visualization, and programming experience in at least two software languages OR specialized experience as an academic or professional in research, risk analysis, business risks, intelligence or law enforcement investigations, and/or economic/trade-related to National Security topics.
• Applicants must meet the minimum education requirements. 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, Link to OPM Qualification Standard: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/
• This position has been designated as a Non-Critical Acquisition Position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The incumbent must meet or be capable of achieving acquisition certification within the allowed grace period. Applicants must list all completed APDP certifications on their resume.
• This position will require occasional travel to the National Capital Region, Air Force installations, and other periodic travel as necessary.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in management, business operations and planning, finance, or related fields.
• Previous experience in the Intelligence Community, financial services, or law enforcement analysis (specifically financial crimes) preferred.
• Experience with business intelligence analysis and investment tools (e.g., Pitchbook, Bloomberg).
• Proficiency in data analysis and SQL or other data query languages.

Additional Information

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and make data-driven recommendations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Strong knowledge of global markets, regulatory environments, and risk assessment methodologies.
• This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill vacancies for 120 days after the closing date.

Requisition Number 094650

Series

1515

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) employs approximately 11,500 military, civilian and contractor personnel, and manages a $7 billion portfolio of investments. The lab supports external customers and partners with industry while investing in basic research, applied research and advanced technology development. As one integrated lab, AFRL seamlessly supports the Science & Technology needs of two services: the Air Force and the Space Force.