Operational Analyst

Role; Operational Analyst

Location; Hybrid UK-based working with travel to MOD, defence industry, and secure customer sites as required

Duration; Initial 3-month contract with extension options available

Clearance; SC clearance required

Rate: 500-750

Key skills; Operational Analysis, Operational Research, Defence Capability Assessment, Modelling & Simulation, Data Analytics, AI-enabled Defence Systems

You’ve worked in defence, national security, or complex government environments where decisions cannot be based on guesswork.

You know how to take large amounts of operational, technical, or programme data and turn it into evidence that actually helps people make better decisions. Whether that’s assessing military capability, analysing operational effectiveness, modelling future scenarios, or supporting investment decisions, you understand how valuable good analysis can be in high-stakes environments.

You’re probably also someone who enjoys solving difficult problems. The kind of person who likes understanding how systems, people, technology, and operational requirements all fit together.

If that sounds like you, this role is well worth a look.

I’m working with a cyber security technology company that is looking for an Operational Analyst to support major capability development, experimentation, and operational research programmes across the MOD R&D landscape.

This is the kind of role where your work will directly contribute towards future defence capability, operational advantage, and strategic decision-making. You’ll be involved in analysing emerging technologies, assessing military utility, supporting experimentation activities, and helping shape future operating concepts across complex defence programmes.

There’s also a major focus around modern digital capability and AI-enabled defence systems.

You’ll be working in an environment exploring technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data fabric, data-centred security, and modern command-and-control platforms. They’re looking for someone who understands how analytical methods and operational research can support the adoption of these technologies in real-world defence settings.

This role will see you conducting both quantitative and qualitative operational analysis, building analytical models, carrying out scenario assessments, analysing operational risks and dependencies, and developing evidence-based recommendations for senior stakeholders.

You’ll also support experimentation programmes, capability assessments, and investment decision-making activities, helping ensure that future defence capabilities are backed by robust operational evidence.

A big part of the role involves engaging with stakeholders across MOD delivery teams, front-line commands, defence science organisations, industry partners, and senior military personnel, so being able to communicate complex findings clearly is very important here.

From a technical perspective, they’re looking for someone with experience across areas such as:

• Operational Analysis and Operational Research
• Defence capability assessment and capability planning
• Modelling and simulation
• Statistical analysis and data analytics
• Risk and cost-effectiveness analysis
• Scenario modelling and experimentation
• Defence capability development and acquisition programmes

Experience with tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, Power BI, Tableau, Simul8, AnyLogic, Arena, or similar analytical platforms would be very beneficial.

Experience working within MOD, NATO, defence industry, or secure government environments is highly desirable, particularly if you’ve supported defence experimentation, capability development, or operational research activities previously.

They’re looking for someone who can work comfortably in complex R&D environments, engage confidently with senior stakeholders, and bring analytical rigour to programmes where the quality of evidence genuinely matters.

If you enjoy operational research, defence analysis, emerging technology, and work that has real strategic importance, this is a genuinely interesting opportunity to get involved in.

If it sounds like the kind of challenge you’d enjoy, apply now or get in touch to find out more.

We welcome diverse applicants and are dedicated to treating all applicants with dignity and respect, regardless of background.