Operations Research Analyst (Modeling and Simulation), Senior

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a senior Operations Research Analyst to lead Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) for the JIAMDO customer. You will guide analytical campaigns, develop MS&A architecture, and manage a team delivering high-impact analyses aligned with Joint Staff priorities.

The role requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance, extensive DoD MS&A experience, and strong communication with government leadership. Travel to MS&A community events is expected.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SSBI.
• 10+ years of documented DoW MS&A experience.
• Campaign-level modeling and simulation applications experience (AFSIM/STORM/EADSIM/STK/NSS).
• Proficiency with MATLAB, SAS JMP, Python, or Perl.
• Knowledge of parametric/non-parametric statistics, data analysis and measures of performance/effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) efforts supporting J8 requirements.
• Plan analytical campaigns based on Joint Staff priorities and develop MS&A architecture.
• Oversee execution of complex analysis plans and manage analytical staff.
• Engage with customers to define requirements, set expectations, and document findings.
• Mentor junior analysts and integrate them into analysis plans.
• Prepare analytical reports and briefings for government leadership.

Skills

MS&A leadership

Client engagement

Modeling & Simulation architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Research or related field (with 24 semester hours in OR/Math/Statistics/CS/Engineering)

Tools

AFSIM

STORM

EADSIM

STK

Naval Simulation System (NSS)

MATLAB

SAS JMP

Python

Perl

Job description

Operations Research Analyst (Modeling and Simulation), Senior

Location

US-VA-Arlington

Job ID

2026-4909

Category

Scientific Research & Analysis

Position Type

Full-Time

Remote

No

Clearance Required

Top Secret/SCI

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through strategic solutions in Information Technology, Engineering and Analysis, Test and Evaluation, and Training.

We are seeking a senior-level Operations Research Analyst to provide leadership and technical expertise in support of our Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization (JIAMDO) customer. In this role, you will help deliver analyses and assessments that inform future Department of War (DoW) capabilities and development efforts.

Responsibilities

As a senior member of the JIAMDO SETA team, you will lead Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) efforts supporting J8 requirements. This role includes planning analytical campaigns based on Joint Staff priorities, contributing to the development of effective modeling and simulation architecture, overseeing execution of complex analysis plans, and managing analytical staff. Success in this position requires strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with the Joint Staff and technical stakeholders across the DoW.

Responsibilities include:

• Support the modeling, simulation, and analysis of Blue and Red weapons systems, platforms, sensors, and networks within OSD-approved scenarios.
• Use simulation tools, MATLAB, and statistical methods to analyze system trade-offs and predict capability utility across mission threads.
• Develop system performance metrics that provide actionable insights to government customers and decision-makers.
• Independently engage with customers to define requirements, establish assumptions, set expectations and timelines, and document key findings.
• Lead identification of critical Blue and Red model elements required to meet customer analysis objectives and manage efforts to build or procure the appropriate models.
• Work with Service organizations and Intelligence Community partners to obtain key data needed to support effective J8 modeling at the appropriate level of detail with well-documented assumptions.
• Coordinate teams of analysts developing models of tactical scenarios to assess system trade space and demonstrate mission utility.
• Collaborate with FFRDCs, vendors, Intelligence Community elements, and other organizations to build authoritative models focused on key joint mission challenges.
• Prepare analytical reports and presentation materials, including both narrative and graphical products, and brief technical findings to government leadership at all levels.
• Travel as required to engage with the MS&A community of interest in support of J8 analysis efforts.
• Mentor and integrate junior analysts into analysis plans while leading the team in producing high-impact, complex analyses aligned to Joint Staff priorities.
• Analyze environmental data and assess impacts on real-world platforms and sensors.
• Apply advanced statistical methods to improve system capability effectiveness.
• Lead development of standard operating procedures documenting J8 analysis methodologies and implement QA/QC processes to ensure high-quality analytical deliverables.
• Clearly communicate complex technical methods and findings to both internal teams and customers.
• Develop presentations that communicate analysis methodologies and results to a range of audiences, from technical exchanges and community forums to Flag-level decision-makers.
• Evaluate and apply emerging artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to improve and streamline analytical processes.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SSBI.
• 10 or more years of documented, relevant experience conducting DoW MS&A.
• Bachelor's degree in operations research or a related field, including at least 24 semester hours in one or more of the following: operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, computer science, engineering (such as aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering), political science, intelligence, foreign or international relations, or national security studies.
• Familiarity with campaign-level and mission-level modeling and simulation applications and techniques, including tools such as AFSIM, STORM, EADSIM, STK, Naval Simulation System (NSS), and similar vendor-developed systems.
• Experience with MATLAB, SAS JMP, Python, or Perl.
• Demonstrated experience in test design and planning, data collection, and data analysis, with knowledge of test and evaluation processes and activities.
• Knowledge of parametric and non-parametric statistics, data reduction and decomposition, data analysis techniques, development of measures of performance and measures of effectiveness, confidence intervals, computer-based analytical tools, and survey test and evaluation methods.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $165,000.00/Yr. - USD $215,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status