Senior Engineer, Operational Analyst

Job overview

The Senior Engineer, Operational Analyst works onsite in Washington, DC. The listed annual salary range is $128,000–$192,000. Shield AI develops intelligent systems, including autonomous aircraft and autonomy software, to protect service members and civilians. This role evaluates the mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact of autonomous aircraft systems. Through modeling, simulation, wargaming, and analysis, the analyst translates operational findings into engineering and product decisions and recommendations for defense stakeholders.

What you'll do

• Develop and execute operational analysis strategies
• lead modeling, simulation, and wargaming to assess performance, mission impact, and survivability
• conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses
• use tools such as AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, and Python to build mission models
• analyze engagements, sensor effectiveness, and autonomy-driven decisions
• collaborate with engineering teams, product managers, and DoD stakeholders
• support CONOPS development
• identify emerging threats
• prepare technical reports, briefings, and recommendations
• build and maintain simulation and analysis pipelines using modern compute and software practices.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior engineer

operational analyst

washington dc

full-time

modeling and simulation

wargaming

autonomous aircraft

military operations analysis

afsim

stk

matlab

python

$128k–$192k/year

shield ai

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Full-time regular employee package includes bonus, benefits, and equity
• temporary employee benefits package may apply after 60 days.

Why this role

Focus on autonomous aircraft, military mission analysis, and contested environments; listed salary range is $128,000–$192,000 per year; active clearance or ability to obtain one is preferred.

About the employer

Shield AI is hiring for this role. Industry: Engineering Services. Sector: 54.