Operations Research Analyst, Mission Engineering
$175,000–$225,000 year
On-siteLos Angeles, California, United States or Washington, United States
Job Summary
Scope, plan, and execute modeling and simulation efforts aligned to program objectives, managing competing priorities and timelines. Develop, configure, and execute analysis using mission-level models such as AFSIM, ESAMS, Brawler, and Ansys STK to evaluate system performance in operationally relevant scenarios. Build and refine models of sensors, communications, aircraft, weapons, and spacecraft within simulation frameworks, applying rigorous statistical methodologies to quantify measures of effectiveness. Develop and maintain Python-based analysis tools and pipelines for data processing, visualization, and statistical analysis. Document methodology, assumptions, and findings in technical reports and briefing materials, presenting results to technical and non-technical audiences. Partner with engineering, product, and customer teams to translate operational questions into structured analytical approaches and shape new business pursuits. This foundational hire will shape how CHAOS conducts mission analysis from day one.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Aerospace/Software/Computer Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Physics, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience supporting defense, intelligence, or advanced technology programs through industry or government employment
- Demonstrated track record leading mission-level operations analysis studies and delivering decision-quality results to senior engineering and customer stakeholders
- Extensive direct experience with combat simulations such as AFSIM, ESAMS, Brawler, Ansys STK, or equivalent, including ownership of rigorous methodology, not just execution
- Significant experience developing analytical tools and applying rigorous statistical methods to interpret and present results
- Strong proficiency in Python and MATLAB, including standard scientific computing libraries (such as Pandas, Polars, NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-Learn, Matplotlib, Seaborn, CuPy, or PyTorch)
- Exceptional data visualization skills and comfort developing CONOPS/OV-1 visuals and briefing packages
- Proficiency with software development practices including version control and leveraging/validating outputs of AI-assisted coding tools
- Demonstrated ability to lead analytical efforts and deliver products with minimal oversight, including leading projects and studies
- Comfortable working on Linux-based systems and writing scalable scripts and software
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing flag/general officer or SES-level audiences
- Eligibility to obtain a Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
Desired Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Recognized expertise analyzing the full kill chain (find, fix, track, target, engage, assess) across multiple domains, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, space, and electronic warfare engagements
- Deep expertise in sensor performance analysis (especially radar) and in developing and validating models of sensors, communications, weapons, aircraft, spacecraft, or ground/maritime systems in mission-level simulation environments such as AFSIM or Ansys STK
- Experience leading study teams or technical working groups across organizations, including model accreditation, V&V efforts, or threat-informed scenario development
- Experience designing and analyzing large-scale Monte Carlo and DOE-driven simulation campaigns supporting system effectiveness or kill chain assessment
- Exposure to Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) networking and visualization tools such as MAK VR-Forces, SIMDIS, or similar
- Experience supporting rapid development programs across DoD services, DARPA, ONR, AFRL, COCOMs, the acquisition community, or commercial advanced technology programs
- Experience supporting capture and positioning activities (RFI/RFP responses, white papers, technical exchanges) and shaping new business pursuits
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