Senior Engineer, Operations Analyst (R5831)

The role

This senior role analyzes the mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact of Shield AI's autonomous aircraft systems. The work includes modeling, simulation, wargaming, and trade studies, working with engineering teams and defense stakeholders.

What you will do

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

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in operational analysis, modeling & simulation, or military operations research.
• Expertise in military mission analysis, operational planning, and wargaming methodologies.
• 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.
• Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance, or ability to obtain one.

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 frameworks.
• Prior military service or experience with U.S. Air Force, Navy, or Special Operations Forces.
• Experience using GenAI to structure problems and create simulation or analysis tools.

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.
• Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance is preferred, or the ability to obtain one.

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.