# Senior Staff Engineer, Operations Analysis (R4759)

**Company:** [Shield AI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/shield-ai)
**Location:** Dallas, TX, Washington, DC
**Role:** Data Engineering
**Experience:** 9+ years
**Skills:** Python, MATLAB, Afsim, Stk, Modeling And Simulation, Operations Research, Wargaming, Sysml, Mbse, Data Science
**Posted:** 2026-04-14

> Performs modeling, simulation, and operational analysis of AI-powered autonomous aircraft systems at component, system, mission, and campaign levels to evaluate effectiveness and survivability. Collaborates with engineering and DoD stakeholders; requires 9+ years experience and active Secret clearance.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Plan, own and execute operational analyses to assess the effectiveness of autonomous systems in representative military scenarios.
- Develop and run modeling, simulation, and wargaming analyses to evaluate system performance, mission impact, and survivability in contested environments.
- Collaborate with engineering teams and product managers to translate operational findings into actionable system insights.
- Perform trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess system performance across varying operational conditions, assumptions, and threat environments.
- Build, modify, and analyze mission-level models using tools such as **AFSIM**, **STK**, **MATLAB**, **Python**, or similar M&S frameworks.
- Analyze force-on-force engagements, sensor performance, and autonomy-enabled behaviors to support mission effectiveness assessments.
- Engage with DoD stakeholders, operators, and analysts to understand mission needs and operational constraints.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of concepts of operations (**CONOPS**) for AI-enabled aircraft capabilities.
- Monitor emerging threats and operational challenges relevant to autonomous and air combat systems.
- Prepare technical documentation, analysis reports, and briefings for internal teams, customers, and government stakeholders.
- Apply modern compute and development best practices (e.g., version control, scripting, scalable compute workflows, and reproducible analysis) to build and maintain reliable analysis pipelines.
- Coach and develop incoming talent.

## Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering or math domain.
- 9+ years of experience in operational analysis, modeling & simulation, operations research, or related defense or aerospace roles.
- Active Secret clearance at a minimum. Preferred Top-Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).

## Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in force-on-force analysis, CONOPS development, or military campaign modeling.
- Experience with evaluating strategic development and analysis goals for multi-mission/multi-domain applicability.
- Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, tools (**Brawler**, **ESAMS**, etc.), **Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)**, and military operational testing.
- Experience leading a product effort from pre-shaping to tactical deployment.
- Prior experience in systems engineering product development lifecycle (**SysML** or **MBSE** preferred).
- Experience developing technical expertise in a team to execute analyses for system design and analysis.

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