Alternate Title(s) | Government Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, Basic Research Engineer, Component Researcher, Materials Engineer |
Minimum Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree |
Salary | See Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information |
Job Skills | - Analytical skills. Operations research analysts use a wide range of methods, such as forecasting, data mining, and statistical analysis, to examine and interpret data. They must determine the appropriate software packages and understand computer programming languages to design and develop new techniques and models. - Communication skills. Operations research analysts often present their data and conclusions to managers and other executives. They also need to communicate technical information to people without a technical background. - Critical-thinking skills. Operations research analysts must be able to figure out what information is relevant to their work. They also must be able to evaluate the costs and benefits of alternative solutions before making a recommendation. - Interpersonal skills. Operations research analysts typically work on teams. They also need to be able to convince managers and top executives to accept their recommendations. - Math skills. The models and methods used by operations research analysts are rooted in statistics, calculus, linear algebra, and other advanced mathematical disciplines. - Problem-solving skills. Operations research analysts need to be able to diagnose problems on the basis of information given to them by others. They then analyze relevant information to solve the problems. - Writing skills. Operations research analysts write memos, reports, and other documents explaining their findings and recommendations. |
Job Duties | Operations research analysts typically do the following: - Identify and solve real-world problems in areas such as business, logistics, healthcare, or other fields - Collect and organize information from a variety of sources, such as computer databases, sales histories, and customer feedback - Gather input from workers involved in all aspects of a problem or from others who have specialized knowledge, so that they can help solve the problem - Examine information to figure out what is relevant to a problem and what methods might be used to analyze it - Use statistical analysis, simulations, predictive modeling, or other methods to analyze information and develop practical solutions to business problems - Advise managers and other decision makers on the impacts of various courses of action to take in order to address a problem - Write memos, reports, and other documents explaining their findings and recommendations for managers, executives, and other officials |
Job Profile | Operations research analysts are involved in all aspects of an organization. They help managers decide how to allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain, and set prices. Analysts must first identify and understand the problem to be solved or the processes to be improved. Analysts typically collect relevant data from the field and interview clients or managers involved in the business processes being examined. Analysts show the implications of pursuing different actions and may assist in achieving a consensus on how to proceed. Operations research analysts use sophisticated computer software, such as databases and statistical programs, and modeling packages, to analyze and solve problems. Analysts use these mathematical programs to simulate current and future events and evaluate alternative courses of action. Analysts break down problems into their various parts and analyze the effect that different changes and circumstances would have on each of these parts. There is no one way to solve a problem, and analysts must weigh the costs and benefits of alternative solutions or approaches in their recommendations to managers. |
The information presented within this occupational profile was synthesized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s Handbook of Occupational Groups & Families.