Modeling & Simulation Analyst

About the Role

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 policymakers.

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

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 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

General Analyst Skills

• Excellent 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 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.

Qualifications

Education:

• 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.

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.

Writing Sample:

• A writing sample is required. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or report (e.g., journal article, master’s thesis, or paper written for coursework, prior employment, or internship).
• Applicants with fields of study or work experience in which they have not produced written products, or in which written products have dissemination restrictions, may submit a short written summary (less than one page) of one or more recent products. Applicants are encouraged to describe their specific role, the analytic or modeling methods used, and the product’s purpose or impact.

Locations

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

Salary Range

• Analyst I: $74,200 - $102,100
• Analyst II: $92,900 - $127,700
• Analyst III: $109,700 - $150,800

The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay. RAND also provides health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off, and more.

Application Deadline

Friday, October 23, 2026