Research Analyst (Operational Data Analyst)

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The location of this position is hybrid to include time onsite at the FAA’s Command Center in Warrenton, VA as well as remote work. We have full-time and part-time positions available. 

CNA is currently seeking Research Analysts –Operational Data Analysts for our Center for Data Management and Analytics in our Institute for Public Research Division. Candidates will join a strong team providing real time data analysis to support aviation operations at the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center.

Candidates will support government clients to enable data driven operations of our national airspace system. The Operational Data Analyst will be a key team member providing air traffic data analyses on historic and real-time, on demand operational data analyses to support air traffic decision making. The candidate will apply expertise in databases, spatial data analyses, and problem solving to lead an innovative, operational, data-driven, and customer focused team energized by making an impact in support of the public good. The candidate should also have the ability to adopt a flexible schedule to support real-time on-site shift-based operations in a fast-paced environment, as required.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission. 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES 

1. With minimal or no guidance, meets CNA’s quality standards when working on well-structured pieces of a project. Demonstrates ability to develop sound analytic frameworks and associated analytic methodologies/ techniques for addressing both structured and unstructured problems.  With direction and supervision, clearly defines, structures, and executes a piece of a complex study to meet quality standards.  Demonstrates analytic creativity and curiosity.

2. Develops and maintains broad, general institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors; their culture, organization, and issues.

3. Contributes productively and harmoniously to the work of others; treats everyone respectfully, professionally and fairly.  Keeps others informed.  Proactively identifies and seeks out others working on similar topics.  Works to identify opportunities for collaborations within team, division, and operating unit.

4. Supports business development efforts and/or marketing activities by maintaining strong client relationships through high quality work, increasing the visibility of our work, and other related activities such as proposal preparation.

5. Interacts with sponsors/clients under the supervision of an experienced colleague, and with study POCs independently.

6. Makes significant contributions to research publications and analytic products for individual projects.

7. Demonstrates ability to communicate results of work in a clear and concise fashion.  Effectively communicates one-on-one and in groups.  Can document work efficiently and accurately.  Can effectively present work to colleagues, sponsors, and small audiences that are familiar with content.

8. Works with minimal or no guidance on focused, well-structured pieces of projects.  Works under closer supervision on more complex, less-structured tasks.  Can serve as task lead for pieces of projects by managing own activities.  May lead small projects under the supervision of an RTL/CMD. 

9. Exhibits a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues and clients/sponsors.  Provides clear guidance to colleagues on tasks.  Takes responsibility for own actions and outcomes.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

1. Education: Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., science, engineering, mathematics, or data science preferred) or equivalent experience, PhD preferred.

2. Experience: Typical minimum requirements Ph.D. & 0+ years or Master’s & 2+ years of experience in research and analysis, including experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and applications. 

3. Skills:

Technical skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in working with databases such as Postgres, Oracle, MS SQL Server, Access, and/or Windows servers
• Demonstrated proficiency in working with spatial data, spatial databases (such as PostGIS and Oracle Spatial), and performing spatial analyses
• Experience in advanced use of SQL, PL/SQL, R, Python for analyzing large data sets
• Experience visualizing data to convey information with tools such as R, Tableau, or PowerBI
• Experience with tools such as ArcGIS for spatial analysis preferred 
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and provide training

Project Management and Leadership skills:

• Ability to work collaboratively with other team members in a cross-collaborative environment, and to lead a technical team on complex projects producing quality work 
• Strong interpersonal skills for interfacing with client representatives, internal customers, and vendor representatives 
• Excellent customer service skills and attitude
• Ability to manage a project and deliver quality work within scope, budget, and schedule 
• Ability to proactively identify technical and project risks and mitigations
• Good organization skills and attention to detail
• Good oral and written communications skills

Other Skills: 

• Willingness to work with a team supporting an operational shift environment, which may require support for hours on early mornings, evenings, or weekends on occasion. 
• Willingness to work with and stay current with new technologies and work overtime when required
• Experience with aviation operations and air traffic data highly preferred
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical thinking and organizational skills
• Basic knowledge of research techniques

4. Desired qualifications:

• Energized candidate interested in supporting data driven decision making in support of the public good. Ability to identify innovative approaches to provide data to support a real-time operational environment. Ability to flex schedule to support real-time on-site shift-based operations in fast-paced environment.
• Aviation experience is preferred. Basic understanding of FAA traffic management initiatives and ability to interpret flight data is a plus, but not required. Interest in supporting the mission of an efficient and safe air traffic system is highly desired. 

A technical writing sample is required as part of your application. 

***Voluntary document***
Please include a personal statement as part of your application. A personal statement is a chance for us to get to know you. The statement is your opportunity to share your goals, interests, influences and show us that you will be a valuable asset to our organization. Please click here for personal statement guidelines – Click here. Personal statements will not be used as an elimination criteria for this position. They will only be used to enhance a candidate’s application

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster", "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.