Senior Operational Analyst - Ranger; R6385 Job Seattle area,Washington USA,Research/Development

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. Visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on Linked In, X, Instagram, and You Tube.

We are seeking an Operational Analyst to drive the modeling, simulation, and analysis of Shield AI’s autonomous aircraft systems. This role is pivotal in evaluating the mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact of our next gen UAS and other autonomous platforms. You will work closely with engineering, product development, and defense stakeholders to inform design trade-offs, assess system performance, and optimize mission capabilities.

This position requires a deep understanding of military operations, wargaming, modeling & simulation (M&S), and operational analysis techniques. Your work will directly shape Shield AI’s strategy by identifying how our AI-powered aircraft can best serve the evolving needs of modern warfare.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Develop and execute operational analysis strategies to assess the effectiveness of autonomous aircraft in real-world military scenarios.
Lead modeling, simulation, and wargaming efforts to evaluate system performance, mission impact, and survivability in contested environments.
Work closely with engineering teams to translate operational insights into design decisions and system improvements.
Conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess system performance under varying operational conditions and threats.
Utilize advanced modeling & simulation tools (e.g., AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, Python) to develop high-fidelity mission models.
Analyze force-on-force engagements, sensor effectiveness, and autonomy-driven decision-making to optimize mission success.
Collaborate with DoD stakeholders, operators, and warfighters to understand mission needs and align system capabilities with operational requirements.
Develop and present technical reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership, customers, and government agencies.
Support concept of operations (CONOPS) development for new AI-driven aircraft capabilities.
Identify emerging threats and operational challenges, ensuring Shield AI’s systems remain ahead of adversary capabilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

10+ years of experience in operational analysis, modeling & simulation (M&S), or military operations research.
Expertise in military mission analysis, operational planning, and wargaming methodologies.
Proficiency with AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, Python, or other M&S tools used for aerospace and defense applications.
Deep understanding of air combat, ISR, electronic warfare, or autonomous systems in contested environments.
Experience working with DoD stakeholders, warfighters, and government agencies to align capabilities with mission requirements.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large datasets and translate findings into actionable insights.
Excellent communication and briefing skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership, customers, and military personnel.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, agile development environment with shifting priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Prior experience in force-on-force analysis, CONOPS development, or military campaign modeling.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), and military operational testing.
Experience integrating AI-driven decision-making algorithms into…