Senior Performance Analysis Engineer – Ground-based Missile Defense (MDA)

missiondrivenresearch; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Driven Research is seeking an experienced Performance Analyst Engineer to join our Huntsville, AL team. You will analyze Ground-based Missile Defense systems for the MDA, developing tools in MATLAB and Python, and communicating findings to leadership and government stakeholders.

You will lead analytical studies, perform Monte Carlo simulations, and collaborate across engineering, software, and SME teams to inform decisions and design reviews.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in STEM with 12+ years relevant experience.
• Experience supporting MDA GMD Programs.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB including model development and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Python and scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib).
• Experience evaluating missile defense engagement performance and system operational capability.
• Strong statistics, numerical methods, and Monte Carlo simulation knowledge.
• Ability to translate analytical results into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of briefing government customers and leadership.
• Active security clearance (SECRET or above) required.

Responsibilities

• Perform performance analyses of GMD system capabilities using modeling and simulation tools.
• Develop methodologies to evaluate system effectiveness, interceptor performance, and mission success.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct statistical analyses, Monte Carlo simulations, and trade-space assessments.
• Analyze large datasets from missile defense simulations to identify trends and improvements.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations for government and leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, M&S teams, software developers, and SMEs to define metrics.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
• Maintain analytical documentation and consistent modeling assumptions.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Simulation-based assessment

Technical reporting

Stakeholder communication

Security clearance

Data visualization

Optimization techniques

MATLAB modeling

Python programming

Education

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

MATLAB

Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib)

Job description

MDR is looking for an experienced, team-oriented Performance Analyst Engineer to join our Huntsville, AL team. In this role you will support the analysis and assessment of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) systems in support of Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The successful candidate will perform mission and system performance analyses to evaluate weapon system effectiveness, engagement performance, and operational capability across a range of threat scenarios. This role requires expertise in MATLAB and Python and the ability to develop analytical tools, interpret complex simulation results, and communicate technical findings to engineering team, program leadership, and government stakeholders.

Job Description (What You'll Be Doing)

• Perform performance analyses of Ground-based Missile Defense (GMD) system capabilities using modeling and simulation tools.
• Develop and execute analytical methodologies to evaluate system effectiveness, interceptor performance, engagement outcomes, and mission success.
• Design, develop, and maintain analytical tools using MATLAB and Python.
• Conduct statistical analyses, sensitivity studies, Monte Carlo simulations, and trade-space assessments to support engineering and program decisions.
• Analyze large datasets generated from missile defense simulations to identify trends, assess system performance, and recommend improvements.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, and data visualizations that clearly communicate analytical results to government and contractor leadership.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, modeling and simulation teams, software developers, and subject matter experts to define analysis approaches and performance metrics.
• Support design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and customer briefings.
• Maintain analytical documentation and ensure consistency of modeling assumptions and methodologies.

Required Skills (What Required Skills You Bring)

• Master's Degree in STEM with + 12 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting MDA GMD Programs.
• Advanced proficiency in MATLAB, including model development, data analysis, and visualization .
• Proficiency with Python, including scientific computing libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
• Experience evaluating missile defense (MD) engagement performance, interceptor effectiveness, mission performance, or system operational capability.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, numerical methods, optimization techniques, and simulation-based performance assessment.
• Experience interpreting simulation outputs and translating analytical findings into actionable engineering recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical analyses to government customers and senior leadership.
• Active security clearance (SECRET or above) is required.

Preferred Skills (Desired but not Required)

• Experience supporting MDA Element or System-level performance assessments.
• Knowledge of MD architectures, kill chain analysis, threat modeling, and engagement planning.
• Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and digital engineering environments.
• Experience integrating AI/MIL into analytical processes.

Position Requirements

• Clearance Required
  • Secret
• Position Level
  • Principal
• FT/PT
  • Full Time
• Years Related Work Experience
  • 12
• Education Level Required
  • Master's

Mission Driven Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.