Senior Operational Analytics Lead, Autonomous Aircraft M&S

Shield AI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 340,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Bonus

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Operational Analyst to drive modeling, simulation, and analysis of autonomous aircraft systems. You will evaluate mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact, collaborating with DoD stakeholders to inform design trade-offs.

The role requires deep knowledge of military operations research, M&S, and wargaming, with hands-on use of tools like AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, and Python in a fast-paced development environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operational analysis, M&S, or military operations research.
• Expertise in military mission analysis, operational planning, and wargaming methodologies.
• Proficiency with AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, Python, or other M&S tools used for aerospace/defense.
• Deep understanding of air combat, ISR, EW, or autonomous systems in contested environments.
• Experience with DoD stakeholders, warfighters, and government agencies to align capabilities with mission needs.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate findings into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and briefing skills for senior leadership and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational analysis strategies for autonomous aircraft in real-world scenarios.
• Lead modeling, simulation, and wargaming to evaluate performance and survivability in contested environments.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate insights into design decisions and system improvements.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses across varying operational conditions and threats.
• Utilize M&S tools to develop high-fidelity mission models and assess force-on-force engagements.

Skills

Operational analysis experience

Military operations research

DoD stakeholder engagement

Communication & briefing

Fast-paced, agile environment

Tools

AFSIM

STK

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Shield AI is seeking an Operational Analyst to drive modeling, simulation, and analysis of autonomous aircraft systems. You will evaluate mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact, collaborating with DoD stakeholders to inform design trade-offs.

The role requires deep knowledge of military operations research, M&S, and wargaming, with hands-on use of tools like AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, and Python in a fast-paced development environment.