Principal Defense Systems Analyst

STR; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

STR in Arlington, Virginia is seeking a Principal Defense Systems Analyst to lead research and development efforts focused on advanced concepts for performance and survivability of national security systems. Candidates should have 8–10+ years of experience in modeling & simulation and possess a Top Secret security clearance.

This role involves managing teams, utilizing simulation tools, and delivering assessments to U.S. government stakeholders. A competitive salary range of $220,000 - $260,000 is offered based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of practical experience in modeling & simulation.
• Active Security Clearance at the Top Secret (TS) level required.
• In-depth knowledge of remote sensing & counter-sensing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to develop system studies.
• Utilize simulation tools to conduct studies of system performance.
• Prepare and deliver technical reports to government customers.

Skills

Modeling & simulation

Sensing modalities

Systems engineering

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Technical writing

Communication skills

Education

BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics

Tools

AFSIM

Joint Simulation Environment

NGTS

Job description

About The Team

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. At STR, Defense Systems Analysts study complex defense technologies and systems by building representative, physics-based models; analyzing data; developing metrics of performance; and evaluating these models against mission requirements. In addition, the analyst will often integrate the algorithms and control systems that are critical to operations of modern defense systems.

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation to create and analyze system architectures and designs and their mission impact. We focus on the capability and limitations of ground, air, and space sensing and counter-sensing platforms (both crewed and uncrewed) and the resource management of these assets in the service of the survivability and capability of U.S. air and space assets (e.g., the F-35 Joint Simulation Environment) using the methods of operational and systems analysis. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto prototype demonstration systems as well as operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.

The Role

The SAAM Group is seeking a Principal Defense Systems Analyst to research, design, develop and implement a portfolio of capabilities to characterize the impact of advanced concepts and algorithms on the performance and survivability of operational systems in a variety of scenarios. You will lead and advise fellow researchers, scientists, and engineers on multi‑disciplinary teams spread across multiple STR campuses to understand customer objectives, craft strategic plans, lead proposal efforts, and develop innovative solutions to complex and challenging national security problems. Your areas of specific focus will include innovating and developing advanced modeling & simulation and systems engineering capabilities.

Interviews for this role will require an in‑person or virtual presentation.

What you will do

• Lead multi‑disciplinary and multi‑site teams to develop system studies and new capabilities
• Develop and implement sensor, platform, and threat models within simulation environments and in support of software and hardware prototypes
• Utilize and enhance simulation tools, incorporating real‑world data, to conduct in‑depth studies of system performance and effectiveness
• Design, develop, validate, and manage large‑scale simulations, with a focus on sensing and counter‑sensing technologies
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the capabilities of current and future U.S. and threat weapon systems, sensors, and platforms
• Synthesize complex data into actionable insights, providing strategic assessments and evaluations to inform defense planning and decision‑making
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive technical reports and presentations to government customers, articulating the implications of simulation findings on national security

Who you are

• Active Security Clearance at the Top Secret (TS) level, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. government
• BS, MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field
• 8‑10+ years of practical experience in modeling & simulation, sensing modalities (e.g., RF and EO/IR), and systems engineering, including digital engineering
• In‑depth knowledge of remote sensing & counter‑sensing technologies including airborne/surface‑based radar and electronic warfare, and EO/IR sensing systems
• Expertise in one or more scientific programming languages, such as C/C++, Python, or MATLAB
• Experience with AFSIM, the Joint Simulation Environment/NGTS, or similar large‑scale simulation environments
• Proven ability to develop modeling and simulation tools and lead teams
• Expertise in platform dynamics, including aerodynamics and orbital dynamics
• Exceptional technical writing and communication skills, with experience in delivering high‑stakes presentations to government and military stakeholders

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $220,000 - $260,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Compliance

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.