Operations Research Analyst

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) seeks an experienced temporary employee to support the planning and execution of both the Northwest Pacific Bilateral Wargame 2026 and high-level Joint Tabletop Exercise (TTX) scheduled for Dec in Japan. This role will be hybrid, with some effort being remote, a portion in Monterey, CA, and includes at least one international trip to Japan. The ideal candidate will bring deep maritime domain expertise, particularly within the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, and have a strong background in operational planning, wargaming, and exercise support.

This position requires a DoD Secret which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with NPS faculty, students, DoD and partner stakeholders to design and refine TTX and wargame objectives, scenarios, and injects.
• Provide subject matter expertise in maritime operations and regional dynamics within the Indo-Pacific.
• Support logistical and operational planning for the wargame and TTX, including coordination with U.S., allied participants and other stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of exercise materials, briefings, and after-action reports.
• Travel to Monterey, CA to meet with Japanese counterparts and prepare game materials for the TTX and the Wargame
• Travel to Japan to facilitate on-site execution of the TTX
• Facilitate and document discussions, decisions, and outcomes during the exercise

Required Skills & Experience 

• 7-10 years of experience in maritime operations, wargaming, and military exercise planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in the USINDOPACOM theater and associated maritime challenges.
• Prior experience supporting or leading DoD tabletop exercises or wargames.
• Strong analytical, communication, and coordination skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Active DoD Secret Clearance.

Desired Skills & Experience 

• Familiarity with joint and coalition operations in the Indo-Pacific.
• Background in operational-level planning or strategy development.
• Experience with wargaming tools
• Experience working with Japanese partners is a discriminator.

Application Deadline:  October 3, 2025

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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:$78,200—$130,300 USD

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Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).