Senior Combat Simulation Systems Analyst

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$114,912 - $214,032 Annually for the SES.3 level
$137,856 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe 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.

We have an opening for a highly qualified Systems Analyst to join our multi-disciplinary 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 and lead project in varied national security mission areas. As a professional with significant experience, 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. As part of this effort, 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. While supporting applied research projects, selected candidates will provide mentorship and practical training to junior members of the group to help them develop depth and breadth in systems analysis. 

Within the Strategic Competition Analysis Group of the Computational Engineering Division (CED), this position will support LLNL programs in the Strategic Deterrence and Global Security Directorates, as well as the Office of the Director. 

This position 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

• Lead research efforts in operations analysis.
• Solve abstract and complex problems as required, drawing on both routine and innovative techniques and approaches to ensure project success.
• Leverage AFSIM and related modeling and simulation tools to analyze the application of key technologies to missions, identify and evaluate potential courses of action, determine their operational utility, and/or suggest possible alternatives.
• Modify, extend, adapt, or enhance existing combat simulation tools, such as AFSIM or the Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) programs.
• Interface directly with mid-level management and external sponsors to communicate technical milestones and solicit input from technical leaders in the conflict simulation space.
• Communicate results through formal technical reports, presentations and peer-reviewed scientific journals as appropriate.
• Mentor junior technical staff to promote professional development.
• Balance multiple projects/tasks and priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met, while working independently with minimal direction within the scope of the assignment.
• Travel as required to coordinate research with collaborators and visit sponsor, partner, and end-user sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Develop new ideas and guide the execution of strategies that enhance the ability of LLNL to address new opportunities in systems analysis to support senior level decision making.
• Work closely with U.S. Government sponsors, other organizations, and technology leaders to provide technical input, and develop and refine new concepts that support national priorities.
• Interface directly with senior-level management and external sponsor organizations as the prime consultant or technical point of contact to communicate technical milestones.
• Attract and retain projects, programs, and funding.

• 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.
• Advanced level knowledge and expertise in development and use of conflict simulation tools to provide analytic insight.
• Advanced level knowledge and expertise in programming using languages such as python, C++, or UNIX shell script, as well as in modifying, extending, adapting, or enhancing existing combat simulation tools, such as AFSIM or JCATS.
• Ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with conflicting priorities, to approach complex problems with enthusiasm and creativity, and to change focus when necessary.
• Significant experience working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and project managers to develop and apply these capabilities to inform engineering decisions.
• Advanced ability to independently develop and execute analyses, engage in any needed post-production data processing, prepare and finalize tailored reports.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment and present and explain technical information to a variety of audiences, including providing advice to management.
• Ability to travel.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Master's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, operations research, a similar technical field, and/or experience in modeling military operations, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Subject matter expertise and significant experience developing and applying novel conflict simulation tools to provide analytic insight.
• Significant experience modifying, extending, adapting, or enhancing existing combat simulation tools, such as AFSIM or JCATS.
• Significant experience with advanced level work planning and execution of work for government sponsor organizations including DOE and DoD.
• Significant expertise and demonstrated ability in successfully leading diverse, highly technical teams to execute loosely defined projects with significant experience in successfully engaging external stakeholders.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present technical ideas/results, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

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

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 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.  Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  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

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.