Wargame Analyst

Arenatechnologies; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Arenatechnologies is seeking a skilled Wargame Analyst to provide onsite support in Alexandria, VA. This role is crucial for managing the design and execution of complex wargames for government clients, requiring strong leadership and analytic skills.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, 7+ years of experience in analytic event execution, and exceptional communication abilities. The position involves significant mentoring and offers opportunities for continuous learning in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience leading complex analytic events like wargames and workshops.
• Demonstrated leadership in the lifecycle of wargame design and execution.
• Proven ability to deliver impactful reports for senior decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, planning, and execution of wargames and advanced analytic events.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform design and generate insights.
• Mentor junior analysts on wargaming approaches and best practices.

Skills

Analytic wargame design

Leadership in project execution

Oral and written communication

Managing multiple priorities

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the U.S. and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War (DoW), Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi‑disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the DoW. These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a technology‑based Wargame Analyst to provide onsite support out of Alexandria, VA.

Responsibilities

SPA seeks a skilled and passionate Wargaming Analyst to drive impactful analysis and strategic insights within dynamic, high‑stakes environments. This role leads the end‑to‑end design, planning, and execution of complex wargames, workshops, and other advanced analytic events for a portfolio of government clients. The candidate will operate with cross‑functional, high‑performance teams contributing directly to critical decision‑making processes. Lead critical components of the wargame and analytic event development process, including design, development, execution, and analysis. Serve as a wargame director and project lead and effectively manage scope, schedule, and performance to deliver high‑quality outcomes. Conduct comprehensive research and analysis to inform design, generate actionable insights, and validate findings. Develop and deliver compelling analytic products, reports, and high‑impact briefings to senior decision‑makers and stakeholders in the DoW and across government. Mentor and educate junior analysts on wargaming approaches, analytic techniques, and best practices. Cultivate strong working relationships with government clients, serving as a point‑of‑contact and trusted advisor. This role is suited to a proactive and adaptable professional who can skillfully navigate a dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities and complex projects concurrently under demanding timelines. While leveraging existing expertise, this position also offers significant opportunities for continuous learning and the rapid acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field.
• 7+ years of professional experience leading and executing complex analytic events including wargames, workshops, and experiments.
• Demonstrated leadership in the full lifecycle of analytic wargame design, development, planning, execution, and reporting.
• Proven ability to deliver impactful analytic reports and briefings for senior decision‑makers.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a track record of presenting complex findings to high‑level audiences.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in dynamic environments, and proven ability to lead projects and work collaboratively with teams.
• Able to report to the Pentagon and Mark Center up to full‑time based upon client needs.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Desired:

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects or programs.
• Expertise in qualitative and quantitative analytic methods (operations research, modeling & simulation, data analytics, etc.).
• Experience mentoring junior analysts and developing/implementing curriculum for wargaming and other analytic techniques.
• Deep understanding of military doctrine, operations, and strategic challenges across multiple domains.
• Experience assessing the operational effectiveness and strategic implications of conceptual emerging systems and technologies.