Modeling & Simulation Analyst

About the Role

This is a 3-year term position with the possibility of renewal, focused on using modeling and simulation skills to address critical policy challenges in national security.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 analyses to decision-makers through written products, briefings, visualizations, and other media.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Expertise in one or more of the following 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

Qualifications

• Analytic skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.
• Experience with components of the Department of War is highly desired.
• Demonstrated 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.

Education Requirements

• Master’s degree in engineering, operations research, applied mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, data science, or related field.
• With a Master's degree, at least two years relevant professional experience is preferred.
• 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.

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.

Security Clearance

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

Locations

• Washington, DC
• Santa Monica, CA
• Pittsburgh PA

Writing Sample Required

• Successful applications will include documentation of academic and professional activities that meet stated qualifications.
• A writing sample is required. This can be a recent, previously written paper or report.
• Applicants in fields where written products are not typical or have dissemination restrictions may submit a short written summary (less than one page) of a recent product, describing their role, methods used, and the product’s purpose or impact.