Staff Engineer, Operations Analyst (R5807)

The role

This role analyzes the mission effectiveness, survivability and operational impact of Shield AI's autonomous aircraft systems. You will build models and simulations, run wargaming and trade studies, and present results to engineering teams, customers and senior leadership.

What you will do

• Develop and run operational analysis strategies for autonomous aircraft in military scenarios
• Lead modeling, simulation and wargaming to assess performance, mission impact and survivability
• Work with engineering and product teams to turn operational insights into design decisions
• Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses under varying conditions and threats
• Build high-fidelity mission models with tools such as AFSIM, STK, MATLAB and Python
• Analyze force-on-force engagements, sensor effectiveness and autonomy-driven decisions
• Work with DoD stakeholders, operators and warfighters to align capabilities with mission needs
• Support concept of operations (CONOPS) development for AI-driven aircraft capabilities
• Identify emerging threats and operational challenges
• Write technical reports and briefings for senior leadership, customers and government agencies

Required qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in operational analysis, modeling & simulation, or military operations research
• Expertise in military mission analysis, operational planning and wargaming methods
• Proficiency with AFSIM, STK, MATLAB or other aerospace and defense M&S tools
• Deep understanding of air combat, ISR, electronic warfare or autonomous systems in contested environments
• Experience working with DoD stakeholders, warfighters and government agencies
• Ability to apply modern compute and software practices such as cloud/HPC workflows, containerization, Git, CI/CD and automated testing
• Excellent communication and briefing skills, including presenting to senior leadership and military personnel
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile environment with shifting priorities

Nice to have

• Prior experience in force-on-force analysis, CONOPS development or military campaign modeling
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, JCIDS and military operational testing
• Experience integrating AI-driven decision-making algorithms into operational analysis
• Prior military service or work with U.S. Air Force, Navy or Special Operations Forces
• Experience using GenAI to structure problems and build simulation or analysis tools
• Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one

Benefits

• Bonus for full-time regular employees
• Benefits for full-time regular employees
• Equity for full-time regular employees
• Temporary benefits package for temporary employees, applicable after 60 days of employment

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits
• Pay depends on factors such as skill set, experience, licenses, certifications and work location

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.