Researcher

About the Team:

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systems and platforms in support of national security. We have a particular focus on airborne/surface/space based radar, electronic warfare, underwater acoustics, hyperspectral imaging, and EO/IR sensing. We work on full system prototypes, experiment campaigns, and next generation technology components. Specific technical areas include RF analog/digital hardware, acoustic hardware, signal processing algorithms, machine learning algorithms, tracking/fusion, autonomous systems, as well as real-time embedded processor implementation.

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Division uses modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze system capabilities, develop enabling algorithms, and take these integrated systems through test. We focus on the capabilities and limitations of ground, air, surface, and space sensing and counter sensing platforms and the resource management of these assets to assure the survivability of US air and space assets. SAAM also leverages the emerging use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in uncrewed systems and techniques to collect, fuse, and understand sensor data across full systems of systems to assure mission success. SAAM is developing software and hardware tools and datasets to support these analyses, including algorithms, processing chains, and scenarios to inform and deploy onto both prototype demonstration systems & operational systems. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.

The Role:

The SAAM group is seeking a Researcher to join high-performing teams conducting large scale simulations and analysis to inform critical national security decisions. You will work with scientists and engineers to design mission-relevant scenarios, extend and modify complex simulation frameworks, and extract actionable insights from simulation results. This role requires both hands-on technical development—coding new capabilities and integrating models—and analytical thinking to interpret results and communicate findings to diverse audiences from program managers to senior leadership.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and modify large scale simulations using frameworks such as AFSIM, JSE, or similar defense simulation environments to model complex operational scenarios
• Code and integrate system components including sensors, communications, command & control, weapons, and threat models using multiple programming languages including C++, Python, and MATLAB
• Design mission-relevant scenarios and assess operational effectiveness of existing and emerging capabilities in representative operational environments
• Analyze simulation outputs to identify trends, draw meaningful conclusions, and make data-driven recommendations
• Present findings clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences at all organizational levels, from engineers to executives
• Verify, validate, and test models and simulation frameworks to ensure fidelity and accuracy
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to support program execution and related research and development projects

Who You Are:

• BS degree with 2+ years relevant experience, OR MS degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related STEM field
• Ability to obtain a Security Clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools for system performance analysis, mission planning, or capability assessment (e.g., large-scale defense simulations, multi-agent systems, discrete event simulation, or similar complex environments)
• Proficient in object-oriented programming with demonstrated experience in at least two of: C/C++, Python, MATLAB
• Demonstrated ability to develop, modify, or extend simulation models or analysis tools—not just running pre-built scenarios, but creating new capabilities
• Strong analytical skills with ability to critically evaluate data, identify insights, and draw defensible conclusions
• Strong communication skills with ability to explain technical findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to excel under limited guidance

Even Better:

• Active Security Clearance at the Secret or Top Secret (TS) level
• Hands-on experience with large-scale defense simulation frameworks such as AFSIM, JSE, or comparable platforms, including scenario development and model integration
• 3+ years of programming experience with complex simulation environments or open architecture systems
• Experience with modern software development practices including version control (Git), continuous integration, unit testing frameworks, and code reviews
• Background in systems analysis or operations research with coursework or experience in optimization, statistics, or decision analysis
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes and system performance assessment methodologies
• Experience with algorithm optimization for real-time systems, especially radar, EW, or remote sensing applications
• Track record of briefing senior technical or government leadership on study results and recommendations

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $138,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.