Combat Simulation Systems Analyst

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for a Systems Analyst to join our multidisciplinary team of applied modeling and simulation professionals. Working closely with operations researchers, weapon scientists, intelligence analysts, code developers, and other subject matter experts, you will support various national security mission areas. You will use tools such as the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) software to assess how military technologies and systems perform for varied missions and in varied operational environments. You will apply a combination of technical depth and breadth, critical thinking, and design principles to test, refine, and postulate potential alternatives to achieve desired mission outcomes. These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate and will support LLNL programs in the Strategic Deterrence, Global Security, and National Ignition Facility Principal Associate Directorates.

Depending on your assignment, these positions may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.

These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Collaborate with scientists and researchers in a multidisciplinary team environment on the application of key technologies to military operations.
• Leverage AFSIM and related modeling and simulation tools to analyze the application of key technologies to identified missions, identify and evaluate potential courses of action, determine their operational utility, and/or suggest possible alternatives.
• Contribute to research and analysis addressing program and sponsor requirements.
• Utilize tools such as AFSIM or the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) programs to model and analyze operational scenarios.
• Communicate with, deliver results to, and otherwise engage with project managers and other internal stakeholders as appropriate in a concise and effective way.
• Document modeling and simulation methods, assumptions, results, and insights in reports and presentations.
• Travel as required to support project managers in their programmatic sponsor interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level 

• Contribute to and actively participate in the conception, design, and execution of original research addressing program and sponsor requirements.
• Provide input on, and recommend enhancements to, modeling and simulation technologies, approaches, applications, and/or utility for specified projects and sponsors.
• Modify, extend, adapt, or enhance existing combat simulation tools, such as AFSIM or the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) programs.
• Balance multiple projects/tasks and priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met, while working independently with limited direction within the scope of the assignment.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q/SCI-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, operations research, or a related field, and/or experience in modeling military planning and operations, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with using conflict simulation tools such as AFSIM or JCATS to provide analytic insight.
• Ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity.
• Experience working with a team of scientists, engineers, and project managers to conduct system analysis studies.
• Experience with one or more of the following programming tools: Python, R, MATLAB, Java, C++, or equivalent.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.2 level 

• Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, operations research, or a related field, and/or experience in modeling military planning and operations, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive experience with programming using Python, C++, or UNIX shell script. Experience in modifying, extending, adapting, or enhancing existing combat simulation tools, such as AFSIM or JCATS.
• Experience effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with conflicting priorities while working independently under limited direction.
• Ability to independently develop and execute analyses, engage in any needed post-production data processing, prepare and finalize tailored reports.

Qualifications We Desire

• Relevant experience working with the military operational community, substantive claims to military domain knowledge, or equivalent claim to subject matter expertise with respect to the national defense enterprise.
• Experience with reinforcement learning application.

Pay Range

$121,830 - $185,544 Annually

$121,830 - $154,500 Annually for the SES.1 level

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually for the SES.2 level

This is the lowest to highest salary in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

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