Nuclear and CWMD Analyst

Applied Research Associates, Inc; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Nuclear and CWMD Analyst to evaluate and mitigate emergent nuclear and WMD threats, bridging cutting-edge technology with operational decision-making.

You will lead cross-functional groups, partner with defense and intelligence stakeholders, and translate complex capabilities into actionable plans and training solutions. The ideal candidate has experience in nuclear operations, CBRNE, and modeling/simulation tools, with the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 5-7 years of related experience, or 12+ years in lieu of degree.
• Experience in nuclear operations, CBRNE, and planning communities.
• Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain/maintain SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead working groups to integrate emerging deterrence and CWMD capabilities.
• Translate event environments into information requirements for leaders at all levels.
• Integrate nuclear weapon effects with AI/ML to assess mission impact.
• Collaborate with analysts, planners, and technologists to align capabilities with objectives.
• Evaluate deterrence and counter-WMD environments to find gaps and opportunities.
• Develop training materials, guides, and SOPs for new tools.
• Coordinate testing and validation to ensure reliability.
• Monitor performance and feedback for iterative improvements.

Skills

Strong communication

Technical presentation

Microsoft Office

Wargaming experience

Modeling & simulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree

Tools

Modeling tools

Simulation software

Job description

The Mission, Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) division of Applied Research Associates Inc (ARA) is seeking an experienced Nuclear and CWMD Analyst to evaluate and mitigate emergent nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) risks. In this role, you will play a critical part in safeguarding national security by evaluating and mitigating emergent, high-consequence global threats. As a vital bridge between cutting-edge technology and operational decision-making, you will lead cross-functional working groups, partner with key defense and intelligence stakeholders, and leverage advanced modeling and simulation tools to translate complex and dynamic capabilities into actionable operational plans and training solutions. The ideal candidate will have experience in nuclear operations, countering WMD, modeling and simulation tools, and wide breadth of technical acumen across the nuclear enterprise. They will have the ability to translate technical capabilities into operational requirements and planning activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead working groups to assess, plan, and execute the integration of emerging deterrence and/or CWMD capabilities.
• Translate deterrence and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) event environment and impacts into critical information requirements for senior leaders and audiences at all echelons.
• Integrate nuclear weapon effects and calculations with AI/ML to identify impacts to mission.
• Collaborate with stakeholders; including analysts, planners, and technologists; to align planning capabilities with operational objectives.
• Evaluate current strategic deterrence and countering WMD operational environment to identify gaps, opportunities, and integration points for new tools or methodologies.
• Develop and deliver training materials, user guides, and standard operating procedures for new tools or capabilities.
• Coordinate testing and validation activities to ensure capabilities are reliable and relevant to planning scenarios.
• Continuously monitor team performance and user feedback to recommend iterative improvements to capability/plan and processes.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and best practices to inform future integration efforts.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field with 5-7 years of technical experience working within the DoW and/or other CBRNE, nuclear operations, and/or planning communities, 3-5 years of technical experience with a Master’s degree, OR 12+ years of experience in lieu of a degree
• Previous military experience in strategic or theater nuclear operations and planning
• Willingness to learn skills associated with modeling
• Strong communication skills, technical presentation skills, and extensive experience with Microsoft Office
• Experience with DoD training, wargaming, modeling and simulations
• U.S. citizenship
• Minimum current / active TOP SECRET clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Military Studies Completion (JAWS, SAS, SAMS, SANDS)

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Ranges: From $100,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees' needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Company Information

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company's success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com

ExperienceRequired

• 5 - 7 years: Relevant DoW and/or CBRNE and/or nuclear operations experience

EducationPreferred

• Masters or better
• Bachelors or better

BehaviorsRequired

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

MotivationsRequired

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.