Senior Operations Research Analyst (Modeling and Simulation)

Cahaba Federal Solutions; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision & Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Cahaba Federal Solutions is seeking a senior Operations Research Analyst to lead analyses shaping DoW capabilities. You will oversee Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis in support of Joint Staff J8 requirements in the National Capital Region.

You will mentor a team, coordinate with government leadership and IC partners, and deliver analytical reports and briefings. The role requires strong communication and extensive DoW MS&A experience, with the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance and SAP eligibility.
• 10+ years in DoW MS&A with Joint Staff/OSD exposure.
• Master's degree in engineering (aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or systems).
• Experience with campaign-level modeling and simulation tools listed.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or Perl for data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead MS&A campaigns aligned to Joint Staff priorities.
• Develop and manage analysis plans and models with a team.
• Prepare analytical reports and brief government leadership.
• Engage with customers to define requirements and timelines.
• Apply statistical methods to assess system performance.
• Collaborate with IC partners and vendors to build models.
• Travel to MS&A community events as needed.
• Mentor junior analysts on analysis plans.

Skills

Security clearance

Joint Staff experience

DoW MS&A

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

AFSIM

STORM

EADSIM

STK

NSS

MATLAB

Python

Perl

SAS JMP

Job description

Description

*** Requires Active TS/SCI and SAP Eligible ***

Description

Cahaba Federal Solutions is a rapidly growing small business specializing in intelligence, prototyping and integration, systems engineering, and technology development. Recognized as one of Huntsville’s Best Places to Work® for the past three years, as a Best Place for Working Parents®, and as the winner of the Huntsville/Madison County Emerging Business of the Year® for 2025, Cahaba is a trusted partner in advancing national security through innovative solutions to critical challenges. We are committed to supporting our nation's most vital missions with dedication and expertise. Joining the Cahaba team means access to meaningful career growth, opportunities for personal development, and the chance to tackle engaging and impactful work.

Job Summary

We are seeking a senior Operations Research Analyst to lead analyses and assessments that shape future Department of War (DoW) capabilities and investment decisions.

You will lead Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) in support of Joint Staff J8 requirements. You will plan analytical campaigns aligned to Joint Staff priorities, help shape the supporting M&S architecture, oversee execution of complex analysis plans, and manage a team of analysts. The role requires strong written and verbal communication and the ability to work effectively with Joint Staff leadership and technical stakeholders across the DoW.

This is a full-time position in the National Capital Region.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on modeling, simulation, and analysis of weapons systems, platforms, sensors, and networks within OSD-approved scenarios. Systems include but are not limited to ballistic missiles, countermeasures, cruise missiles, drones, and various interceptors.
• Develop these models in an in-depth modeling and analysis environment supporting the quantitative evaluation of Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) end-to-end architecture performance.
• Support systems engineering trades, analysis, and concept exploration providing quick-turn, architecture-level analysis capability.
• 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.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Security clearance: Active TS/SCI and SAP eligible.
• Minimum of 10 years of documented, relevant experience conducting DoW MS&A, as well as professional experience within IAMD or a related area, a minimum of 5 of which include supporting the Joint Staff, OSD, Service HQ, or CCMD HQ.
• Masters degree in engineering (such as aerospace, electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering).
• 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.

Cahaba’s full-time employees are offered an outstanding comprehensive benefits package. These benefits include Blue Cross Blue Shield medical coverage, Guardian vision and dental insurance, company-funded life, short-term and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness benefits, generous paid time off, and robust retirement plan solutions.

The salary range for this role is $165,000 USD - $215,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience and qualifications.

Employment opportunities at Cahaba Federal Solutions are based upon a candidate’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and are free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cahaba is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process. If you need assistance accessing our online system or require an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].