National Security Modeling and Simulation Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD is looking for a Modeling and Simulation Specialist to apply advanced analytical techniques to national security challenges. Candidates should hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree coupled with a minimum of three years of experience in modeling and simulation. Familiarity with frameworks like AFSIM is essential. The role offers a salary range from $100,000 to $245,000 annually, along with growth opportunities within multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of relevant experience in modeling and simulation or operations analysis.
• Familiarity with M&S frameworks and simulation tools to analyze complex systems.
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute simulation-based analyses using AFSIM and related tools.
• Translate operational questions into simulation scenarios.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate modeling results into analysis efforts.

Skills

Modeling and simulation

Analytical problem-solving

Communication of findings

Scripting or programming (e.g., Python)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or related

Tools

AFSIM

STK

NGTS

STORM

Job description

Description

Are you searching for important work at the intersection of National Security Analysis and advanced Modeling & Simulation (M&S)?

Are you passionate about using simulation tools to analyze complex operational problems and inform real-world decisions?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL, applying mission-level modeling and simulation to some of the nation’s most challenging security problems.

In this role, you will utilize modeling and simulation tools—particularly AFSIM—to evaluate operational concepts, analyze system performance, and support decision-making across a range of national security missions.

Working within the Advanced Mission Modeling and AI Group (JAM) in the National Security Analysis Department (NSAD), you will contribute directly to mission-focused studies that inform DoW and Combatant Command priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, and execute simulation-based analyses using frameworks such as AFSIM and related tools.
• Translate real-world operational questions into simulation scenarios and analyze outcomes to generate actionable insights.
• Support mission studies by evaluating system performance, force interactions, and operational effectiveness in contested environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate modeling results into broader analytic efforts.
• Document assumptions, methodologies, and results clearly to support reproducibility and decision-making.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Have at least three years of relevant experience in modeling and simulation, operations analysis, or related analytic work.
• Have experience applying simulation tools to analyze complex systems or operational scenarios.
• Have familiarity with one or more M&S frameworks (e.g., AFSIM, STK, NGTS, STORM, or similar).
• Possess strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, particularly in translating real‑world problems into structured analysis.
• Are able to communicate technical findings clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Have basic scripting or programming experience (e.g., Python) to support analysis workflows.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Additional Qualifications

• Have direct experience using AFSIM for mission-level analysis.
• Have experience building and connecting Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to M&S.
• Have experience supporting DoD or IC analytic efforts or wargaming environments.
• Possess familiarity with scenario development, force modeling, and campaign-level analysis.
• Have experience working in multidisciplinary analytic teams.
• Have experience briefing analytic results to senior stakeholders.

Pay Range

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Applications

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.