Senior Staff Engineer, Operations Analysis (R4487)

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking an Operational Analysis Lead to drive modeling, simulation, and analysis of its autonomous aircraft systems. You will evaluate mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact to inform design trade‑offs and optimize capabilities.

You will collaborate with DoD stakeholders, translate operational insights into system improvements, and present technical briefings to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operational analysis, modeling & simulation (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 and defense applications.
• Deep understanding of air combat, ISR, electronic warfare, or autonomous systems in contested environments.
• Excellent communication and briefing skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership, customers, and military personnel.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
• Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).
• Prior experience in force-on-force analysis, CONOPS development, or military campaign modeling.
• Experience integrating AI-driven decision-making algorithms into operational analysis frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational analysis strategies to assess autonomous aircraft effectiveness in real-world military scenarios.
• Lead modeling, simulation, and wargaming to evaluate performance and survivability in contested environments.
• Translate operational insights into design decisions and system improvements.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance under varying conditions and threats.
• Utilize advanced modeling & simulation tools to develop high-fidelity mission models.
• Analyze force-on-force engagements, sensor effectiveness, and autonomy-driven decision-making to optimize mission success.
• Collaborate with DoD stakeholders, operators, and warfighters to align system capabilities with requirements.
• Develop and present technical reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership and government agencies.
• Support CONOPS development for new AI-driven aircraft capabilities.
• Identify emerging threats and challenges to keep Shield AI ahead of adversaries.

Skills

Operational analysis

Modeling & simulation

Wargaming

Military operations research

Communication & briefing

Clearance eligibility

Tools

AFSIM

STK

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an Operational Analysis Lead to drive the modeling, simulation, and analysis of Shield AI’s autonomous aircraft systems. This role is pivotal in evaluating the mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact of our next‑generation UAS and other autonomous platforms. You will work closely with engineering, product development, and defense stakeholders to inform design trade‑offs, assess system performance, and optimize mission capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational analysis strategies to assess the effectiveness of autonomous aircraft in real‑world military scenarios.
• Lead modeling, simulation, and wargaming efforts to evaluate system performance, mission impact, and survivability in contested environments.
• Work closely with engineering teams to translate operational insights into design decisions and system improvements.
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess system performance under varying operational conditions and threats.
• Utilize advanced modeling & simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, Python) to develop high‑fidelity mission models.
• Analyze force‑on‑force engagements, sensor effectiveness, and autonomy‑driven decision‑making to optimize mission success.
• Collaborate with DoD stakeholders, operators, and warfighters to understand mission needs and align system capabilities with operational requirements.
• Develop and present technical reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership, customers, and government agencies.
• Support concept of operations (CONOPS) development for new AI‑driven aircraft capabilities.
• Identify emerging threats and operational challenges, ensuring Shield AI’s systems remain ahead of adversary capabilities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operational analysis, modeling & simulation (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 and defense applications.
• Deep understanding of air combat, ISR, electronic warfare, or autonomous systems in contested environments.
• Excellent communication and briefing skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership, customers, and military personnel.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.
• Active Secret or Top‑Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).
• Prior experience in force‑on‑force analysis, CONOPS development, or military campaign modeling.
• Experience integrating AI‑driven decision‑making algorithms into operational analysis frameworks.

Benefits

Full‑time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity.
Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment). Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part‑time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.