Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Mathematical Optimization & Resource Allocation
- Formulate real-world resource allocation problems as mathematical optimization models (linear programming, integer programming, mixed-integer programming)
- Develop and implement optimization algorithms for complex assignment problems including adjudicator workload distribution, facility inspection scheduling, and investigator allocation
- Apply constraint programming and heuristic methods to solve large-scale, computationally challenging optimization problems
- Build decision support tools that enable operational leaders to explore tradeoffs and make resource deployment decisions with mathematical rigor
Strategic Analysis & Decision Support
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses and apply mathematical programming techniques to optimize the distribution of personnel, budgetary, and operational resources across competing requirements
- Apply risk-based optimization to prioritize facility assessments, case assignments, and inspection schedules based on threat levels and resource constraints
- Perform trade-space analysis and sensitivity studies to understand how optimal solutions change under different assumptions, constraints, or objectives
- Develop multi-objective optimization approaches that balance competing goals (speed, quality, cost, risk mitigation)
Model Development & Implementation
- Utilize optimization solvers (Gurobi, CPLEX, or open-source alternatives like Pyomo, PuLP, OR-Tools) to implement and solve mathematical models
- Validate optimization model outputs against historical operational data and subject matter expert judgment
- Develop prescriptive analytics that recommend specific actions based on optimization results
- Create scenario planning tools that allow decision-makers to explore "what-if" questions regarding resource allocation strategies
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with modeling/simulation specialists to incorporate predictive analytics into optimization formulations
- Partner with data engineering specialists to obtain empirically-grounded parameters, constraints, and objective function coefficients
- Translate mathematical optimization results into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical decision-makers
- Present optimization approaches, tradeoff analyses, and recommendations to senior leadership
- Participate in cross-functional team activities to maintain technical standards and share knowledge
Required Skills & Experience
- 8+ years of progressive, hands-on operations research experience, including demonstrated application of mathematical optimization, resource allocation modeling, and prescriptive analytics to real-world operational problems
- 3–5 years of that experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community mission areas such as personnel vetting, industrial security (NISP), counterintelligence, or insider threat
- Expert-level proficiency in mathematical optimization including linear programming, integer programming, and mixed-integer programming
- Hands-on experience with optimization solvers (Gurobi, CPLEX, FICO Xpress, or open-source alternatives such as Pyomo, PuLP, OR-Tools, COIN-OR)
- Demonstrated ability to formulate real-world problems as mathematical programs, including objective function design and constraint identification
- Proven proficiency in an analytical programming language (Python or R), with emphasis on optimization modeling libraries
- Experience with constraint programming and heuristic solution methods for large-scale or computationally difficult problems
- Strong foundation in algorithm design, computational complexity, and solution methods
- Ability to validate optimization models using operational data and communicate results to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience working in secure (classified) government environments
- Secret clearance required (active or ability to obtain)
Desired Skills & Experience
- Advanced degree in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, Management Science, or a related quantitative discipline
- Familiarity with NISP, clearance adjudication processes, and/or insider threat/counterintelligence analytic frameworks
- Experience with nonlinear optimization and stochastic optimization techniques
- Knowledge of multi-objective optimization and Pareto analysis
- Network optimization and graph algorithms (shortest path, max flow, matching problems)
- Experience with scheduling and routing problems (job shop scheduling, vehicle routing)
- Familiarity with game theory and decision analysis under uncertainty
- Knowledge of operations research software (AMPL, GAMS)
- Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) for communicating optimization results
- SQL and database querying skills to support model parameterization
- Knowledge of queueing theory and simulation to better integrate with modeling specialists
- Experience with statistical modeling and risk analysis to inform optimization formulations
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
Skills Required
- 8+ years progressive operations research experience, including mathematical optimization and prescriptive analytics
- 3-5 years supporting DoD or Intelligence Community mission areas (personnel vetting, industrial security, counterintelligence)
- Expert-level proficiency in mathematical optimization (linear, integer, mixed-integer programming)
- Hands-on experience with optimization solvers (Gurobi, CPLEX, FICO Xpress, or open-source alternatives such as Pyomo, PuLP, OR-Tools, COIN-OR)
- Proven proficiency in an analytical programming language (Python or R) with optimization libraries
- Experience with constraint programming and heuristic solution methods for large-scale problems
- Strong foundation in algorithm design and computational complexity
- Ability to validate models against operational data and communicate results to non-technical stakeholders
- Experience working in secure (classified) government environments
- Secret clearance required (active or ability to obtain)
SMX Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about SMX and has not been reviewed or approved by SMX.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Salary ranges are publicly listed on many postings and a pay transparency statement clarifies how location, contract, and credentials influence offers. This visibility helps set clear expectations around compensation.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — About four weeks of PTO plus 11 paid federal holidays are highlighted in careers materials. Paid military leave on some roles further expands time‑off coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with a dollar‑for‑dollar match on the first 5% and immediate vesting is called out in role descriptions. Traditional and Roth options support long‑term savings.
SMX Insights
What We Do
SMX is a global technology and advanced engineering provider specializing in Cloud Solutions, C5ISR, and Advanced Engineering / IT. Our tradition of delivering innovative, technical solutions dates back to 1995, however, you may know us better by one of our legacy company names: Trident Technologies, Smartronix, Datastrong, or C2S Consulting Group. With the support of OceanSound Partners, our private equity investment sponsor, we began operating as one business starting in 2019 and became SMX in 2021. We operate in close proximity to our clients around the globe and have core locations in Alabama, California, the DC Metro, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Today, as SMX, we are one team and together empower government and commercial enterprises to become more effective, innovative, and resilient, no matter what challenges they face. SMX offers competitive benefits, excellent work environments, and growth opportunities for our employees while continuing to expand operations and support our communities. We have more than 25 years of rapid and consistent growth with continuous recognition as an employer-of-choice technology company. In addition, we have earned coveted industry quality and business certifications; have a strong commitment to business partnerships, ethics, compliance, and sustainability; and have a multitude of premier contracting vehicles. The combination of these attributes allows us to provide sound, repeatable business solutions yet remain flexible and agile to quickly adapt to specific customer requirements. Committed to ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction, SMX is structured around the programs and technologies we support to provide optimal and seamless operations. We have maintained a reputation for excellence, helping to assure the missions of our Department of Defense, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other Government and commercial customers.
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