Operations Research Analyst / Mission Analysis & Simulation

Position Summary:

Turn Mission Data Into Decision Advantage.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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
• Attention to Detail
• Self-motivated with ability to work with minimal supervision
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen
• Secret clearance required

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

• 6+ years relevant experience
• Experience supporting simulation or wargaming analysis
• Familiarity with structured analysis, design of experiments, or data modeling
• Experience developing repeatable analytical pipelines or automated reporting workflows
• Experience creating data/scenario materials for modeling/simulation/wargaming
• Interest in mission engineering or operational concept evaluation
• Experience interpreting mission-level M&S outputs (e.g., AFSIM or other constructive simulations)
• Active US Security Clearance with Top Secret eligibility

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Closing Statement:

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans'' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.