Nuclear and CWMD Analyst

ARA Career•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Mission, Concepts and Capabilities (MCC) division of Applied Research Associates Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Nuclear and CWMD Analyst to evaluate and mitigate emerging nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) risks. The role supports national security by addressing high-consequence global threats and connecting advanced technology with operational decision-making. The analyst leads cross-functional working groups, partners with defense and intelligence stakeholders, and uses modeling and simulation tools to translate complex capabilities into operational plans and training solutions. The ideal candidate has experience in nuclear operations, countering WMD, modeling and simulation, and technical areas across the nuclear enterprise, with the ability to translate technical capabilities into operational requirements and planning activities. ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company founded in 1979. It employs over 2,000 professionals and works across defense and civil technologies, software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. Employees are eligible to participate in the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 5–7 years of technical experience working within the DoW and/or other CBRNE, nuclear operations, and/or planning communities; or 3–5 years of technical experience with a master’s degree; or 12+ years of experience in lieu of a degree.
Previous military experience in strategic or theater nuclear operations and planning.
Willingness to learn skills associated with modeling.
Strong communication and technical presentation skills.
Extensive experience with Microsoft Office.
Experience with DoD training, wargaming, modeling, and simulations.
U.S. citizenship.
Current, active TOP SECRET clearance and ability to obtain and maintain a SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Completion of Advanced Military Studies (JAWS, SAS, SAMS, or SANDS).

Responsibilities

Lead working groups to assess, plan, and execute integration of emerging deterrence and/or CWMD capabilities.
Translate deterrence and CBRNE event environments and impacts into critical information requirements for senior leaders and audiences at all echelons.
Integrate nuclear weapon effects and calculations with AI/ML to identify mission impacts.
Collaborate with analysts, planners, technologists, and other stakeholders to align planning capabilities with operational objectives.
Evaluate the strategic deterrence and countering WMD operational environment to identify gaps, opportunities, and integration points for new tools or methodologies.
Develop and deliver training materials, user guides, and standard operating procedures for new tools or capabilities.
Coordinate testing and validation to ensure capabilities are reliable and relevant to planning scenarios.
Monitor team performance and user feedback and recommend iterative improvements to capabilities, plans, and processes.
Maintain awareness of emerging technologies and best practices to inform future integration efforts.