Principal Operational Analysis and Modeling Engineer

About the role

The is responsible for establishing and directing the analytical frameworks that dictate how hypersonic aircraft perform across evolving mission sets. You will translate complex government requirements into robust models that forecast aircraft behavior and expose critical performance gaps before hardware is built. This role owns the end-to-end process of converting flight data into actionable strategic insight that directly drives hardware decisions and operational concepts. You will construct detailed build models that convert aerodynamic theory into precise simulation parameters, ensuring every simulation output is rigorously validated against strict mission objectives and risk tolerance levels. The successful candidate will deliver validated findings that shape flight test schedules and influence system configuration, balancing innovation with practical feasibility. This position will be filled at a level corresponding to the candidate's background, either Manager or Director, and serves as the technical cornerstone for our operational analysis team. You will lead scenario exercises designed to identify weaknesses in existing analysis methodologies and document all workflows to enable future analysts to replicate success independently.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Perform in-depth operational analysis to establish performance baselines for future aircraft through initial data intake and sophisticated modeling techniques.
• Construct detailed build models that convert complex aerodynamic theory into precise simulation parameters suitable for high-speed vehicle analysis.
• Review simulation outcomes to confirm they meet strict mission objectives, risk tolerance levels, and defense application standards.
• Translate high-level government requirements into structured models capable of accurately predicting aircraft performance across a wide range of mission profiles.
• Deliver validated findings that directly shape flight test schedules, system configuration decisions, and operational concept development.
• Collaborate with defense teams to ensure operational concepts remain feasible within real-world constraints, including logistical, environmental, and tactical considerations.
• Lead scenario exercises designed to identify weaknesses in existing analysis methodologies and drive improvements to simulation frameworks.
• Document all workflows, assumptions, and procedures to enable future analysts to replicate success independently and maintain institutional knowledge.
• Guide junior analysts in best practices for simulation development, data interpretation, and performance assessment.
• Act as the primary technical authority on operational analysis and simulation within the engineering organization, setting standards and direction.

Requirements

• Possess prior experience in government, the defense industry, or an FFRDC/UARC setting related to operational modeling and analysis.
• Demonstrate expert-level proficiency with software tools used for analysis and simulation in defense applications, including scripting and data analysis platforms.
• Have a minimum of three to five years of relevant professional experience in similar analytical roles focused on high-performance systems or defense applications.
• Communicate intricate analytical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including government officials and executive leadership.
• Maintain a strong attention to detail and a rigorous approach to validating model inputs, assumptions, and outputs to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment where evolving requirements demand adaptability and rapid iteration of analytical methods.
• Hold U.S. citizenship or the ability to obtain the necessary security clearances to work on sensitive defense projects.
• Commit to working within the standard full-time schedule as defined by company policy and project needs.

Nice to have

• Preferred experience with hypersonic or high-speed aerodynamic analysis tools and simulation platforms.
• Background in joint force operations or integration with warfighter-focused analysis frameworks.
• Familiarity with rapid iterative prototyping methodologies aligned with the company's approach to building fast and powerful aircraft.

About the company

We reclaim the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build fast and powerful aircraft on relevant timelines. Our teams design and test high-speed systems that give our nation and its allies clear advantage in the sky. We focus on deterring global threats through disciplined engineering, repeatable experimentation, and reliable execution. You will refine designs, validate performance, and turn ideas into flying hardware quickly and safely.