Tactical Scientist & Operational Advisor

Red Drum Labs; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Drum Labs seeks a Tactical Scientist to bridge operational needs and technical development for a CWMD RDT&E effort. This embedded role requires translating complex mission requirements into actionable specifications, guiding scientists and engineers with authority to ensure operational viability and survivability in demanding environments.

The position is on-site at Fort Belvoir, VA, with mandatory travel and collaboration with government stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain higher access as required.
• Experience translating operational requirements into technical specifications for scientists and engineers.
• Background in U.S. special operations, counterterrorism, or related sensitive activities.
• Experience supporting or leading RDT&E efforts, capability development, or field experiments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operational voice in technical development efforts, translating mission requirements into precise specifications for scientists and engineers.
• Conduct threat assessments, operational environment modeling, and risk analysis.
• Develop and refine CONOPS, mission threads, and courses of action through wargaming and effects-based planning.
• Plan and execute controlled tests, field experiments, and exercise integrations to evaluate capability performance.
• Provide reach-back analytical support and assist with integration of capabilities into operations.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Operational translation

RDT&E experience

Wargaming methods

CONOPS development

Job description

Red Drum Labs seeks a Tactical Scientist to bridge operational needs and technical development for a CWMD RDT&E effort. This embedded role requires translating complex mission requirements into actionable specifications, guiding scientists and engineers with authority to ensure operational viability and survivability in demanding environments.

The position is on-site at Fort Belvoir, VA, with mandatory travel and collaboration with government stakeholders.