Operations Research Analyst / Mission Analysis & Simulation

Position Summary

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is seeking an Operations Research Analyst / Mission Analysis & Simulation professional to support quantitative mission assessment for the U.S. Air Force. The analyst will prepare, analyze, and visualize data from modeling, simulation, mission engineering, and wargaming workflows—applying operations research and statistical methods to help evaluate emerging aerospace capabilities. You will collaborate with mission engineers, simulation SMEs, and wargaming practitioners to translate operational questions into mission-relevant analytical insights, support scenario-driven analysis, and contribute to structured reporting for Air Force stakeholders. This role offers a development path into mission engineering, simulation analysis (including AFSIM outputs), and advanced OR trade studies.

About the Role

This role supports the quantitative mission assessment for the U.S. Air Force, applying operations research and statistical methods to evaluate emerging aerospace capabilities. The analyst will work closely with mission engineers, simulation SMEs, and wargaming practitioners to translate operational questions into mission-relevant analytical insights, support scenario-driven analysis, and contribute to structured reporting for Air Force stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and visualize data from modeling, simulation, mission engineering, and wargaming workflows
• Apply operations research and statistical methods to evaluate emerging aerospace capabilities
• Collaborate with mission engineers, simulation SMEs, and wargaming practitioners to translate operational questions into mission-relevant analytical insights
• Support scenario-driven analysis
• Contribute to structured reporting for Air Force stakeholders
• Develop repeatable analytical pipelines or automated reporting workflows
• Create data/scenario materials for modeling/simulation/wargaming
• Interpret mission-level M&S outputs (e.g., AFSIM or other constructive simulations)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in operations research, statistics, economics, computer/data science, or related field
• 3+ years relevant experience
• Experience with data analysis and quantitative methods
• Proficiency in tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar
• Strong attention to detail and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Qualifications

• 6+ years relevant experience
• Familiarity with structured analysis, design of experiments, or data modeling
• Experience developing repeatable analytical pipelines or automated reporting workflows
• Interest in mission engineering or operational concept evaluation
• Experience interpreting mission-level M&S outputs (e.g., AFSIM or other constructive simulations)

Skills

• Proficiency with Python, R, MATLAB, or similar
• Strong attention to detail and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Benefits

Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and hold a Secret clearance. An Active US Security Clearance with Top Secret eligibility is also required.

Pay

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The position is full-time.