Modeling and Simulation/Operations Research Analyst

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Shape the Future of National Security—Join MITRE and Tackle the Toughest Challenges with Innovation and Impact!

Are you an experienced professional passionate about solving complex challenges to safeguard our nation? At MITRE, you’ll collaborate with top minds in engineering, science, and technology, leveraging cutting-edge research and experimentation to address the nation’s most pressing security challenges.

MITRE is a nonprofit systems engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization that operates federally funded R&D centers to deliver deep technical and systems integration, rapid prototype development, and mission-driven innovation in the public interest. Headquarters are in McLean, Virginia and Bedford, Massachusetts are supported by over 60 sites across the U.S. and globe to bring solutions to the field.

The MITRE National Security (MNS) organization, supporting the Department of War, Military Services, Combatant Commands, the Intelligence Community, and US Allies, is seeking highly motivated individuals ready to apply their expertise to high-impact, mission-driven work. At MITRE, you will provide national security leaders with data-driven analysis and technologically informed solutions to solve the toughest national security challenges. More specifically, this role is in support of MITRE’s Missile Defense Division (N260) which is dedicated to delivering world-class engineering solutions and technical leadership to enhance Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capabilities. Its mission is to enable resilient, adaptive, and scalable weapon systems that counter emerging threats and safeguard national security and the homeland.

Your unique background and skill set will inspire creative solutions that improve the safety, security, and resilience of our nation. Take the next step in your career and contribute to shaping national and global security.

Roles & Responsibilities:

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated Modeling & Simulation / Operations Research Analyst to support Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) efforts for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Chief Architect’s Office. In this role, you will partner with the Missile Defense Agency and associated stakeholders to develop and apply advanced modeling, simulation, and analytical tools—integrating mathematics, physics, engineering, and programming—to generate actionable insights and recommendations for future missile defense architectures.

You will tackle complex, real-world problems at the intersection of technology and national security while expanding your skills through hands-on work. We value curiosity, innovation, and a passion for learning, and we’re looking for candidates who thrive in collaborative, diverse teams and are committed to delivering solutions that make a real impact.

Highly competitive candidates must bring a strong technical background and depth of domain knowledge and experience to advance the department’s strategic growth in IAMD (for our people and our mission) in one or more of the following ways:

• Drive innovation in next generation weapon system technology/applications
• Advance weapon systems integration within IAMD Architectures
• Lead technical efforts to ensure weapon systems are integrated into broader IAMD frameworks, enabling interoperability across sensors, interceptors, and Command/Control elements
• Develop and refine architectures that optimize the role of weapon systems in multi-layered defense strategies, including regional and global missile defense postures

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and application of AFSIM-based IAMD modeling and simulation tools in a high-pace, small team environment
• Conduct feasibility analysis/studies incorporating innovative concepts and emerging technologies into future missile defense architectures
• Participate in gap analysis, Analysis of Alternatives, and architecture trade and feasibility studies
• Develop/refine models of existing and future missile defense sensors, C2, and weapon systems
• Ability to apply critical thinking to complex IAMD systems engineering issues
• Shape project strategies by identifying and recommending innovative techniques and tools to improve modeling and simulation capabilities.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to the sponsor an other senior-level stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration across teams to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of modeling and simulation initiatives.
• Collaborate with government, other FFRDC/UARCs, industry to develop solutions to emerging threat environments.
• Mentor junior staff to ensure effectiveness and scalability of modeling and simulation initiatives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Operations Research, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Experience with developing and applying physics-based modeling and simulation tools to address research questions.
• Experienced in presenting analysis to senior audiences, and bridging operational teams with technical experts to create mission-focused solutions.
• Experience working across scientists, analysts, and technical experts from several technical disciplines to collaborate on modeling and simulation solutions to solve mission problems
• Familiarity with operational analysis tools (e.g., AFSIM, STK, NGTS, STORM)
• Demonstrated expertise in programming languages and applications such as C/C++, Java, Julia, Python, MATLAB, or Mathematica
• Active DoD Secret clearance, with eligibility for TS/SCI potentially with polygraph (per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance)
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data analysis and data visualization tools or environments.
• Experience in mission engineering, including interpreting and analyzing mission threads
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance with access to Secure Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret/SCI

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$155,200 - $194,000 - $232,800 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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