SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Shield AI is seeking a Staff Engineer, Operational Analyst to lead modeling, simulation, and operational analysis of autonomous aircraft systems for defense applications. This role bridges engineering and military operations, focusing on evaluating mission effectiveness, survivability, and operational impact across multiple platforms.
Key responsibilities include developing and executing operational analysis strategies to assess autonomous aircraft performance in real-world military scenarios; leading modeling, simulation, and wargaming efforts to evaluate system performance and survivability in contested environments; and translating operational insights into design decisions with engineering teams and product managers. You will conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses under varying operational conditions, utilize advanced M&S tools (AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, Python) to develop high-fidelity mission models, and analyze force-on-force engagements and sensor effectiveness to optimize mission success.
Collaboration is central: working with DoD stakeholders, operators, and warfighters to understand mission needs; supporting concept of operations (CONOPS) development for AI-driven aircraft capabilities; and identifying emerging threats to keep Shield AI's systems ahead of adversary capabilities. You will develop technical reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior leadership, customers, and government agencies.
The role emphasizes modern software development practices: leveraging scalable cloud/HPC workflows, containerization, version control, CI/CD, and automated testing to build and iterate high-fidelity simulation and analysis pipelines quickly and reliably.
Required: 7+ years in operational analysis, M&S, or military operations research; expertise in military mission analysis, operational planning, and wargaming; proficiency with AFSIM, STK, MATLAB, or similar aerospace/defense M&S tools; deep understanding of air combat, ISR, electronic warfare, or autonomous systems in contested environments; experience with DoD stakeholders and government agencies; demonstrated ability to apply modern compute, data science, and software development best practices; excellent communication and briefing skills; ability to thrive in fast-paced, agile environments.
Preferred: force-on-force analysis or CONOPS development experience; familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and JCIDS; experience integrating AI-driven decision-making into operational analysis; prior military service or experience with U.S. Air Force, Navy, or Special Operations Forces; GenAI experience for problem structuring; active Secret or Top-Secret clearance.
