Senior Operations Research Analyst / Strategic Advisor

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary:

About Iron Will

Iron Will is a rapidly growing company supporting critical national security missions across advanced weapons systems, flight testing, and integration. We operate at the intersection of government and industry to solve complex problems and deliver mission impact.

We are building a high-performing team focused on execution, trust, and resultsand were just getting started.

Position Overview

Iron Will is seeking a Senior Operations Research Analyst / Strategic Advisor to support the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC).

This is ahigh-impact, senior-facing role supporting some of the Departments most critical flight test and infrastructure initiatives, including MACH-TB and MACH-XL. The selected individual will serve as a trusted advisor to government leadership, providing insight into cost, budget, and programmatic decisions that directly shape national test capability.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise incost estimating, PPBE, and acquisition, along with the credibility and communication skills to influence senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to TRMC leadership on cost, budget, and programmatic strategy
• Lead development and assessment of independent cost estimates for major test infrastructure and flight test initiatives
• Provide expert support to budget formulation and execution processes (POM, BES, execution year adjustments)
• Conduct advanced analytical assessments and trade studies to inform resource allocation and investment decisions
• Develop and deliver executive-level briefings and decision support materials
• Assess cost, schedule, and performance risks and provide actionable recommendations
• Support and advise on contracting and acquisition strategies, including funding alignment and execution oversight
• Coordinate across DoD, industry, and internal stakeholders to align technical, financial, and strategic priorities

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in Operations Research, Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or related field (required)
• 15+ years of experience supporting DoD, government, or defense industry programs
• Demonstrated expertise in cost estimating, budget formulation, and program analysis
• Deep understanding of the DoD PPBE process
• Experience supporting or advising senior government leadership (SES, Flag/General Officer level, or equivalent)
• Strong analytical, modeling, and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to clearly communicate complex insights to senior decision-makers
• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain); TS/SCI strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting TRMC, test ranges, or flight test programs
• Expertise in cost estimating methodologies (parametric, analogy, grassroots, learning curves, etc.)
• Experience supporting POM builds, budget drills, and Congressional justification processes
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and DoD acquisition processes
• Experience with advanced modeling or data tools (Python, R, MATLAB, Tableau, etc.)
• Prior military, SES, or senior civilian leadership experience

What Were Looking For

• A professional who can operate as a peer to senior government leaders
• Someone who can connect strategy, cost, and mission outcomes
• Someone who brings credibility, judgment, and influence
• Someone comfortable working in high-visibility, high-consequence environments
• Someone who takes ownership and drives results

Why Iron Will

• Direct engagement with TRMC leadership and national-level test initiatives
• Opportunity to shape future flight test and range capabilities
• High visibility and influence within a growing company
• Team focused on execution, trust, and mission impact

Iron Will Ventures Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.