Operational Research Specialist

Description

Job Description:

Leidos’s Military and Veterans Health Solutions is currently seeking an Operational Research Specialist to support the Warfighter Performance Department at the Naval Health Research Center, in San Diego, CA. The candidate will support vital research to improve the health and readiness of Sailors and Marines onboard surface Navy ships. This position will provide technical support to engineers on a variety of technical tasks and duties may include planning, organizing, securing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of the research program’s objectives. The candidate will support the various technical needs of the project under the guidance of senior engineers and program managers. This includes supporting the installation of experimental research system components onboard surface Navy ships and providing project support for executing successful data collection procedures, such as performing technical quality assurance checks. The Operational Research Specialist will interface with various functional leaders including external collaborators, the Research Program Manager, the Principal Investigator, subcontractors, and other relevant stakeholders and support personnel to accomplish research aims. The candidate will also implement standard operating procedures and methods for inspecting, testing, and evaluating the precision, accuracy, and reliability of customer and/or company products and assist with system evaluations. Familiarity with military operational environments (e.g., onboard surface Navy ships) is required. The ability to be flexible and adjust to changing circumstances during the execution of the research mission in the field is also needed.

​Job duties may include but are not limited to:

• Work independently to achieve the day-to-day research mission objectives that have a significant impact on project deliverables.

• Lead the installation of critical research infrastructure onboard surface Navy ships, including setting up computer and electrical components, Raspberry Pi modules, and other sensors.

• Communicate with contacts onboard participating Navy surface ships and with the research team on matters of significant importance for the execution of the research mission. Coordinate with Operational Navy Commands to carry out research activities as needed.

• Process physiological wearable and other research data and perform appropriate data management procedures as outlined by the research team. 

• Support project activities for various arms of the research program, such as supporting data collection with the US Marine Corps, Commander Naval Surface Forces, or Commander Naval Air Force.

• Serve as a research rider to support data collection underway aboard surface Navy ships.

• Develop novel technology solutions for field data collection as operational military needs dictate.

• Organize technical or general topic discussions and trainings to train or enhance skills of team members.

• Communicate with colleagues and professionals in multiple physiological and medical disciplines to determine project design or changes in expected procedures and discuss project outcomes.

• Develop sound technical approaches to solve complex issues and problems that impact multiple areas and disciplines with a goal of improving the health, safety, and performance of warfighters that operate in unique operational environments.

• Abide by human research protections regulations.

• Conduct subject recruitment and enrollment, conduct briefing discussions for inclusion and exclusion criteria, answer scientific and research-related questions pertaining to the informed consent discussion.

• Communicate with vendors and subcontract performers under guidance from contract and subcontract.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required for the customer research mission.

• Effectively and efficiently respond to urgent inquiries and requests.

• Work overnights, on weekends, and holidays as needed for research project execution.

• Travel domestically and internationally as required for project, program, and contract needs.

• Model Leidos Mission, Vision, and Values at all times.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma and at least 10 years’ relevant project management experience in high tempo military environments.

• At least 10 years’ experience working on US Navy and Marine Corps platforms such as: Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG), Guided Missile Cruiser (CG), Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), and/or Expeditionary command.

• At least 8 years of experience supervising junior level staff; demonstrated leadership experience and experience working in a team.

• At least 8 years of experience as a project lead creating solutions with teams and presenting them to Navy leaders (O-5 level and above).     

• Ability to interact positively and in a professional manner within a research environment.

• Excellent critical thinking with problem-solving skills and an ability to work cooperatively in a team setting. Flexibility in responding to changing demands, timelines, and priorities.

• Ability to work non-regular hours (e.g., nights and weekends) as needed for data collection. Ability to travel as needed; may require some travel.

• US Citizenship required. Must possess a SECRET government security clearance.

• Experience working with military personnel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of project management concepts, principles, and industry standards.

• Proficiency with mechanical and electrical shop tools.

• Knowledge of conventional statistical techniques and experience in managing quantitative data.

• Ability to be a self-starter, act on objectives in an independent manner, demonstrate leadership, work independently in a team, and the ability to plan and prioritize work.

• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office, Structure Query Language (SQL) server, and Tableau data visualization software.

• Experience in operating in fast paced military operational environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialty certifications with these Navy and Marine Corps communities: Surface Warfare, Air Warfare, and/or Expeditionary Warfare.

• US Military Professional Development Training (e.g., Senior Warfare Officer PEO Advanced Engineering, Shipboard Engineering Plant Program Manager, or Joint Fleet Quality Assurance Supervisor or similar trainings)

Naval Health West - NHW

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 45,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022.  For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

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Commitment to Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.