Overview
Mathematics professionals in federal government use quantitative analysis to help agencies understand problems, evaluate options and make informed decisions. They may analyze data, build models, assess risk, forecast trends, evaluate program outcomes or translate complex information into practical recommendations.
This work supports many areas of federal government, including budgeting, public health, transportation, insurance, taxation, education and environmental protection. It may be a good fit for people who enjoy working with numbers, solving complex problems and using data to improve public programs and services.
What You Might Work On
In the federal government, professionals in this field often:
- Analyze national datasets to assess program performance across agencies
- Use high-level mathematical knowledge to solve critical engineering problems
- Develop models and simulations that inform federal policy and resource allocation
- Evaluate technical, economic, or operational data to support the oversight of federal grants and contracts
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Like using numbers and data to answer real-world questions
- Enjoy analytical, detail-oriented work that requires accuracy and critical thinking
- Are interested in applying math to public issues like health, transportation, finance, education or the environment
- Can explain technical information clearly to people who may not have a quantitative background
Job Series Codes
What are job series codes?
In the federal government, most jobs are grouped into “job series” based on the type of work. Each series has a four-digit code (for example, mathematics, 1520).
How to use them:
You can use job series codes to narrow your search on USAJOBS. Start with a keyword (like “program analyst”), then add a series code for more targeted results. Here are a few examples to get you started — there are hundreds of job series codes across the federal government!
| Code | Series / category name | Common keywords | What you’ll do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1501 | General Mathematics and Statistics | General Engineer, Manager, Program Analyst | Perform math or statistical work that doesn’t fit into another series |
| 1510 | Actuarial Science | Actuary, Actuarial Analyst, Program Analyst | Analyze financial risk through mathematical modeling |
| 1515 | Operations Research | Operations Research Analyst | Use math to improve organizational systems and decisions |
| 1520 | Mathematics | Mathematician, Engineer | Develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques |
| 1529 | Mathematical Statistics | Mathematical Statistician | Scientific work involving the adaption of mathematical techniques to statistical processes |
| 1530 | Statistics | Statistician, Research Statistician, Economic Statistician | Apply statistical methods to collect, analyze and interpret data |
| 1531 | Statistical Assistant | Statistical Assistant, Data Assistant | Compile data and perform calculations in support of statisticians |
Where You Could Work
The federal government is big — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area, or the kind of impact you want to have (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many federal agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Public health forecasting: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Mathematical research: National Science Foundation
- Risk assessment: Government Accountability Office
Sample Positions
Mathematical Statistician
| Employer / agency | Health Resources and Services Administration |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Rockville, Maryland |
| Mission context | Mathematical statisticians at the Department of Health and Human Services produce reliable data and guide improvements to public health programs. |
In this role, you may:
- Provide technical input into the design of primary data collection efforts
- Serve as a subject matter expert on statistical, economic and statistical modeling to other units within the division and bureau
- Disseminate research findings through presentations at conferences, peer-reviewed journal publications and innovative visualizations
Mathematician
| Employer / agency | Department of the Airforce |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Multiple Locations |
| Mission context | This role applies advanced mathematical knowledge to help the Air Force solve operational and technological challenges in support of national defense. |
In this role, you may:
- Plan and carry out the collection and analysis of information, data and standards used by the assigned organization to perform mathematics tasks
- Perform scientific work in the field of mathematics in support of conventional projects or portions of larger projects and programs under the guidance of a senior mathematician or scientist
- Review scientific and mathematical studies and papers and convert results into practical recommendations and procedures
Top 10 agencies for this Field
Top 10 Most Common Jobs in this Field
Positions Currently Open on USAJOBS
Browse current federal job openings on USAJOBS and explore opportunities across agencies and career fields. Use the filters to find positions that match your skills, review requirements, and understand how to apply.
16 Results
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Permanent
SUPERVISOR
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISOR
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER (PROGRAM MANAGER)
Naval Air Systems Command
- Closes Jul 20, 2026
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Permanent
Operations Research Analyst
Defense Contract Audit Agency
- Closes Jul 21, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISORY INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER/SCIENTIST
Naval Air Systems Command
- Closes Jul 27, 2026
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Permanent
INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER/SCIENTIST (PROGRAM MANAGER)
Naval Air Systems Command
- Closes Aug 3, 2026
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Permanent
OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST
U.S. Pacific Fleet
- Closes Aug 5, 2026
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Permanent
Operations Research Analyst-Direct Hire
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Aug 10, 2026
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Permanent
Mathematical Statistician (Data Scientist) – Direct Hire
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Aug 20, 2026
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Internships
OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST
Air Force Civilian Career Training
- Closes Sep 28, 2026
