Wargame Designer

Important Information:

This opportunity is open only to individuals who currently hold an active U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance at the required level. Engagement will be under a 1099 / Business-to-Business (B2B) contractual arrangement — not a W-2 employment position.

As this is a B2B / 1099 engagement, benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are not provided. Contractors are responsible for managing their own taxes, insurance, and other business obligations in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Interested candidates should apply directly through our official company website at www.sandymacevolution.com/careers to ensure their application is properly received and routed for review.

A creative and analytical defense professional with a degree in security studies, analysis, or a related field, and at least five years of direct experience in wargame design, development, or structured analytical simulations. Skilled in building rules, mechanics, and structures tailored to NATO or multinational objectives, they have led playtesting cycles, produced validation reports, and integrated feedback from operational commanders.

Strong knowledge of wargame design tools, NATO doctrine, and practical experience supporting NATO wargames at the operational or strategic level are required.

Preferred Background: Wargame designers, simulation developers, or analytical planners with NATO playtesting experience.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

· Engage with the game sponsor, Project Manager, and Game Director to define the problem statement, aim, objectives, research questions, and intended use of wargame outputs

· Research relevant doctrine, existing wargames (commercial and professional), academic writings, and lessons learned to inform design choices

· Develop or adapt the core rules, mechanics, and structure of the wargame to ensure alignment with objectives and constraints (time, participants, classification, and outputs)

· Design and produce physical and digital wargame components, including maps, boards, markers, cards, adjudication tools, and software interfaces

· Coordinate with scenario coordinators, analysts, and event planners to integrate scenario content and ensure venue layouts support gameplay

· Lead or assist with playtesting, rehearsals, and refinement cycles, incorporating facilitator and analyst feedback to improve outcomes

· Prepare and deliver design briefs and validation reports articulating how the design meets sponsor objectives

· Support wargame execution by facilitating gameplay, explaining rules, and troubleshooting design-related issues as needed

· Perform additional tasks related to event planning, wargame design, or documentation as required by the COTR within the scope of the contract

Required Experience and Education:

· Nationality of one of the NATO member countries

· 4-year university baccalaureate degree in security/defense studies, analysis, or a related field

· Minimum five (5) years of experience in wargame design, development, or structured analytical design, preferably in multinational or military environments

· Experience conducting or leading playtesting cycles and integrating feedback into refined wargame products

· Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and coordination experience

· Experience working in multinational teams

· NATO Secret Security Clearance or national equivalent

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office, collaborative platforms, and visualization tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio or similar)

· Prior experience designing or supporting NATO wargames at an operational or strategic level

· Experience preparing design briefs, validation reports, and contributing to after-action or final wargame reports

Job Type: Contract

Security clearance:

• Secret (Required)

Work Location: In person