Senior Staff Operational Analyst - Ranger
Shield AIAutonomous Systems company
Seattle, United StatesLead
Andreessen Horowitz
L3Harris
Hanwha Asset Management
U.S. Innovative Technology Fund
Washington Harbour Partners
Riot Ventures
Data & AINew
About the role
TL;DR
Analyze autonomous aircraft effectiveness using modeling and simulation.
- •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.
- •For more information, visit www.shield.ai.
- •Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
- •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 operational analysis frameworks.
- •Prior military service or experience working with U.S.
- •Air Force, Navy, or Special Operations Forces.
- •Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain one).
Required skills
Python
Domain expertise
aerospacedefense
Tech stack
PythonGitLinuxPowerPoint