Nuclear Survivability Scientist

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessments (AMA) Division is seeking a Nuclear Survivability Scientist. In this role, you will support our initiatives in nuclear survivability and assessments and will be responsible for developing technology critical to the success of our projects as well as national security. You will do this by conducting hands‑on M&S analyses of technical R&D problems for the nuclear weapon effects, missile defense, communications and space vehicle communities.

What you’ll do as a Nuclear Survivability Scientist:

• Perform M&S of high-altitude nuclear effects, radiation belts, command, control, and communication (NC3), and RF communication systems.
• Use and support development of software applications and models in nuclear weapon effects, survivability, and ballistic missile defense systems.
• Develop physics-based weapon effects models.
• Conduct verification and validation (V&V) of models, algorithms, and results and prepare technical documentation.
• Present technical briefings, findings, analysis, and recommendations.
• Conduct analysis of systems, sensors, communications, and assets that must operate in nuclear environments.
• Conduct studies and trade‑space analysis for sensor performance.
• Mentor junior staff on technical tasks and track high‑level project timelines.
• Contribute to peer review of team members’ findings and reports.
• Communicate with customers to identify and suggest priorities and timelines.
• Develop requirements and standards for system and personnel survivability.
• Identify gaps in technology and nuclear weapon effects M&S and identify solutions to address those gaps.
• Support software planning, development, testing, deployment, and usage. Conduct training of M&S software.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• 8–10 years of relevant work experience.
• Active TS/SCI DoD security clearance.
• Experience in M&S areas: RF propagation modeling and testing, NC3 platforms and systems.
• Experience in software development or maintenance with C++, C#, Fortran, Python, or similar language.
• Demonstrated experience in nuclear weapon effects, RF communication systems, and/or relevant aspects of nuclear survivability.
• Experience in RF system operation and analysis.
• Experience with modeling software tools: LWPC, LMP, HiCIRF, PHaRLAP, and VOACAP.
• Experience in a supervisory or mentoring role.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist Preferences:

• Master of Science in Mathematics (or related field) with 6–8 years of relevant experience.
• PhD in Mathematics (or related field) with 3–5 years of relevant experience.

Position requires regular travel to locations around the continental United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the “Know Your Rights” notice from the Department of Labor.