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How much do wargames jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for wargames in California is $24.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are wargames?

Wargames are simulated military exercises, either tabletop or computer-based, designed to model conflict scenarios and test strategies, tactics, and decision-making. They are used by military organizations, researchers, and hobbyists to analyze potential outcomes of battles or wars, train personnel, and evaluate new concepts. Wargames can range from simple board games to highly complex computer simulations involving multiple participants and real-time data. The insights gained from these exercises help inform planning, policy decisions, and military education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wargaming analyst?

To thrive as a Wargaming Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of military strategy or defense concepts, and often a relevant degree such as in political science, international relations, or military studies. Familiarity with simulation software, modeling tools, and data analysis systems is commonly required, along with certifications in defense or operations research. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills are valuable for presenting findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential to accurately model scenarios, derive actionable insights, and support strategic decision-making in defense contexts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in military wargaming roles?

Professionals in military wargaming roles often encounter challenges such as managing complex scenarios with incomplete or ambiguous information, ensuring realistic simulations, and facilitating effective communication among multidisciplinary teams. Balancing the need for creativity with strict operational parameters can also be demanding. Additionally, wargaming specialists must continuously update their knowledge to keep pace with evolving technologies and tactics, making adaptability and ongoing learning essential for success.

What is the difference between Wargames vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectWargamesCybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsOften no formal certifications, but knowledge of cybersecurity and strategic thinking helpsCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH typically required
Work EnvironmentSimulated environments, training labs, or military settingsOffice settings, security operations centers, or remote work
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, defense, or cybersecurity training organizationsPrivate companies, government agencies, and cybersecurity firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training exercises or strategic simulationsJob roles, skills, and career paths in cybersecurity

Wargames involve simulated exercises to test strategic or cybersecurity skills, often in training or military contexts. Cybersecurity Analysts focus on protecting systems through monitoring, analysis, and incident response. While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge, Wargames are more about training and simulation, whereas Cybersecurity Analysts perform real-world security tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Wargames jobs in California?

For Wargames jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wargames jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Wargames jobs in California are:

Wargames jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wargames job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Internship, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,068 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Space Operations Wargaming Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Lompoc, CA • On-site

Prevailance
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Prevailanceexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description:

This position is contingent upon contract award. Multiple positions available.


The Space Operations Wargaming SME is responsible for designing, developing, executing, and assessing wargaming scenarios and exercise events that replicate realistic operational environments. This role ensures students/trainees are prepared to operate in contested, degraded, and operationally limited (CDO) space environments.


Tasks


Wargaming Design & Execution

  • Create and facilitate space operations capstone level wargame in support of 9 mission areas: Orbital Warfare, Space Electromagnetic Warfare, Cyber Warfare, Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR), Missile Warning/Missile Defense, C2-CSpOC, C2-NSDC, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA)
  • Create operationally realistic injects, vignettes, and adversarial conditions that challenge student decision-making in space domain operations
  • Execute tabletop exercises, simulation-based wargames, and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) environments
  • Manage wargaming events from concept through after-action review (AAR), ensuring fidelity to real-world USSF operational doctrine and TTPs
  • Develop and maintain wargaming training materials including scenario packages, red team playbooks, facilitator guides, and student assessments
  • Align wargaming objectives with training standards, and Joint doctrine

Administration and Coordination

  • Incorporate lessons learned from operational space units, exercise programs and allied/partner training events
  • Maintain all exercise documentation in the curriculum management system in accordance with training standards
  • Collaborate with course directors, curriculum developers, and subject matter experts to integrate wargaming into formal training pipelines
  • Assess and update wargaming curricula on a recurring basis to reflect changes in adversary capabilities, doctrine, and emerging space threats
  • Support integration of classified operational data and intelligence products into unclassified/classified training scenarios as appropriate
  • Coordinate with higher headquarters, services, and allied partners for joint and combined wargaming opportunities.
  • Support USSF-wide wargaming initiatives and other designated exercises as required
  • Interface with the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), Space Delta training elements, and other USSF training entities to synchronize wargaming efforts
  • Maintain documentation of all wargaming events, scenario libraries, and student performance records
Requirements:

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of five (5) years in executing military wargames
  • Expert knowledge of basic game designs
  • Demonstrated knowledge in building playable but accurate games for space systems
  • Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide graphical representation and abstraction of space movement and maneuvering
  • Ability to integrate space capabilities into the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) and Exercise Life Cycle
  • Knowledge of Tabletop Seminar, Role-Based Tabletop Simulation, and Distributed Operations Simulation
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct problem-solving and adaptability to dynamic space operational environments
  • Ability to analyze complex technical content and translate it into clear, sequenced instruction aligned to performance objectives.
  • Ability to communicate technical details to military operational and planning audience
  • Skill in using distributed training systems, simulator platforms, and computer-based training (CBT) tools

Desired Qualifications

  • Minimum of five (5) years in U.S. military Space Operations as military member or civilian
  • Deep understanding of space domain operations, including satellite communications, space surveillance, and space-based sensors
  • Experience in conducting operational or tactical games on US Space Operations to include the nine (9) mission areas
  • Experience in modeling and simulating orbital mechanics and space flight
  • Experience in designing scenarios linking space operations to public policy, cyber, acquisition, and strategic defense
  • Experience in facilitating entry level wargames
  • Experience developing threat scenarios using intelligence community products and red team methodologies

Education Requirements

  • Bachelors degree or Certificate in Wargaming from a military affiliated institution desired

Clearance Level: TS/SCI clearance eligibility is required