Modeling & Simulation Analyst

Job Type:

Term (Fixed Term)

Position Description

Are you passionate about using your modeling and simulation skills to address critical policy challenges? 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 the public and policymakers at multiple levels. They embrace diverse challenges on topics ranging from space vehicles to surface warfare that require strong analytic capabilities, technical knowledge, and academic or industry experience in modeling and simulation, mathematics, data science, and other applied sciences.

Why RAND?

· Reputation for Excellence: Be part of a non-profit, non-partisan organization renowned for its rigorous and objective research.

· Dynamic Opportunities: Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects that challenge and expand your skills.

· Poised for Impact: Your analysis will inform thousands of policymakers, clients, and other stakeholders around the world.

Responsibilities:

Technical Analysts use their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to:

• 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 these analyses to decision-makers through written products, briefings, visualizations, and other media.

Term:

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

Qualifications

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

All analyst positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of 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. 

Education Requirements

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. Please note that U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Candidates with an active U.S. security clearance are preferred.

Location

Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh PA

Writing Sample Required

Successful applications will include documentation in the application package of academic and professional activities that meet stated qualifications. A writing sample is required for this position. 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 (e.g., model development), or in which written products have dissemination restrictions, may submit a short written summary (i.e., less than one page) of one or more recent products they have developed. Applicants are encouraged to describe their specific role, the analytic or modeling methods used, and the product’s purpose or impact, as appropriate

Salary Range: $74,200 - $150,800

Analyst I: $74,200 - $102,100

Analyst II: $92,900 - $127,700

Analyst III: $109,700 - $150,800

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Application Deadline

This notice will be open until Friday, October 23, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer