Modeling & Simulation Analyst

Job Type: Term (Fixed Term) Position Description

Are you passionate about using your modeling and simulation skills to address critical policy challenges? RAND is seeking talented analysts with expertise in modeling and simulation to join our team and contribute to impactful research in national security policy. RAND analysts contribute to and lead innovative projects that deliver objective, reliable insights for the public and policymakers at multiple levels. They embrace diverse challenges on topics ranging from space vehicles to surface warfare that require strong analytic capabilities, technical knowledge, and academic or industry experience in modeling and simulation, mathematics, data science, and other applied sciences.

• Reputation for Excellence:
  Be part of a non-profit, non-partisan organization renowned for its rigorous and objective research.
• Dynamic Opportunities:
  Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects that challenge and expand your skills.
• Poised for Impact:
  Your analysis will inform thousands of policymakers, clients, and other stakeholders around the world.

Technical Analysts use their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to:

Develop, apply, and analyze the outputs of modeling and simulation tools to examine complex systems, assess alternatives, evaluate risks and tradeoffs, and inform decision-making.

Develop understanding of national and homeland security operations and apply that knowledge to structure and design models and validate outputs.

Assist in communicating the results of these analyses to decision-makers through written products, briefings, visualizations, and other media.

This position is a 3-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Expertise in one or more of the listed methodological areas AND one or more of the domain areas is highly desired:

• Methodological Areas:
  Modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems, especially using the Advanced Framework for Simulation and Modeling (AFSIM)
• Programming and model development using Python, R, MATLAB, Julia, C++, Java, or similar languages and tools
• Agent-based, discrete-event, Monte Carlo, system-dynamics, or other computational modeling approaches
• Domain Areas:
  Space systems, aerospace systems, autonomous systems, or other defense-related technical domains
• Logistics, supply chains, readiness, force planning, transportation, or operational analysis
• Systems engineering, requirements analysis, test and evaluation, or technology assessment
• Data visualization, dashboard development, or communication of complex analytic findings

All analyst positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Experience with components of the Department of War is highly desired. Successful applicants will demonstrate experience or strong potential in modeling and simulation, including the development, use, validation, and interpretation of models to address complex technical, operational, or policy problems.

A master's degree (or bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant professional analytic experience) in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, data science, or related field is required.

With a master's degree, at least two years relevant professional experience is preferred. This experience should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to develop, apply, analyze, or communicate the results of quantitative models, simulations, data analyses, or other analytically rigorous research products.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. Please note that U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Candidates with an active U.S. security clearance are preferred.

Washington, DC;
Santa Monica, CA;
Pittsburgh PA

Successful applications will include documentation in the application package of academic and professional activities that meet stated qualifications.

A writing sample is required for this position. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master's thesis, or paper written for coursework, prior…