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Wargames Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA

Develop both physical and digital products for wargames to include detailed design documents, rule sets, player guides, maps, tokens and other playing pieces to contribute toward a positive player ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA

Develop both physical and digital products for wargames to include detailed design documents, rule sets, player guides, maps, tokens and other playing pieces to contribute toward a positive player ...

Air Education and Training Command

$100K - $131K/yr

Facilitates experiential learning (wargames, strategy exercises, etc.) throughout academic year Research: engaging in professional research and writing in areas of expertise * Publishes book ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA

Develop both physical and digital products for wargames to include detailed design documents, rule sets, player guides, maps, tokens and other playing pieces to contribute toward a positive player ...

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How much do wargames jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for wargames in the United States is $24.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $33.17 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, and why are they important?

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 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 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.
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Wargames jobs near you
HIGH CONTROL EXERCISE PLANNER

HIGH CONTROL EXERCISE PLANNER

MCSG Technologies

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$50K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:  MCSG Technologies is seeking highly experienced planners to support U.S. Space Command Joint Force Development and Training Directorate (J7) exercise and training events.  The planners will provide organizational emulation, strategic analysis, operational planning support, and senior-level advisory services for major joint exercises, wargames, and tabletop exercises.

This position will lead efforts across the full exercise lifecycle using the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), integrating operational plans, campaign objectives, emerging threats, and strategic guidance into exercise and wargame events. This role requires expertise in space operations, joint exercise and wargaming, national security strategy, operational planning, and executive-level engagement with senior military and civilian leadership. Work Schedule: This position may require 24-hour exercise operations during event execution. Extended shifts may occur during major exercises. Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado / Huntsville, Alabama. 

PRIMARY DUTIES:

  • Provide realistic organizational emulation during exercises, tabletop exercises, and wargames.
  • Replicate strategic decision-making processes for military, interagency, allied, and commercial organizations.
  • Support contingency planning, operational analysis, and senior leader academic preparation.
  • Conduct political military (POLMIL), operational, and strategic assessments.
  • Develop executive-level briefings, analyses, and strategic communications products.
  • Support interagency and multinational coordination activities.
  • Respond to exercise Requests for Information (RFIs) during execution phases.
  • Participate in exercise planning conferences, rehearsals, and after-action reviews.
  • Assist in identifying operational gaps, risks, and mitigation strategies.
  • Contribute to post-exercise reporting and lessons learned documentation.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • This position may require up to 25% of CONUS/OCONUS travel. 
  • Demonstrated experience at the Combatant Command, Joint Task Force, Service component, or Headquarters level
  • Experience translating strategic guidance into operational objectives, training audiences, and exercise outcomes
  • Experience leading cross-functional planning teams and coordinating with senior military and civilian leaders
  • Experience supporting Joint Planning Process (JPP), operational-level planning teams, and Joint Exercise Program activities
  • Experience in applying all phases of the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC)
  • Demonstrated knowledge of joint doctrine, campaign planning, force employment, global integration, and Joint Force readiness.
  • Experience supporting joint exercises, wargames, or operational planning events.
  • Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following areas: 
    • Space Operations
    • Missile Defense
    • Homeland Defense
    • Cyber Operations
    • Joint Warfighting
    • Strategic Planning
    • Interagency Coordination
    • Political-Military Affairs 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Former O-5/O-6, GS 14/15, NH-IV, or equivalent senior civilian professional
  • Recognized expertise in joint and space operations.
  • Strong strategic communication and briefing skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate independently and provide trusted advice to flag officers, SES personnel, and senior government leaders.
  • Experience with NATO, multinational operations, or interagency collaboration.
  • Knowledge of Special Technical Operations (STO) and/or Special Access Programs (SAP).
  • Understanding of national space policy and international space law.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: 10-15+ years of operational, strategic, or military planning experience.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

ABOUT US: At MCSG Technologies, we believe the path to success begins by empowering our employees to do what is best for our customers. This helps create value for our customers and business partners through efficiencies and cost-effective relationships that are built on trust, while delivering on-time and within budget. Our company ethos is simple Empowered to serve our customers, our communities, our colleagues.

BENEFITS OFFERED: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, parental leave, paid time off, holidays and more. Learn more about MCSG Technologies benefits: https://www.mcsgtech.com/benefits/.

In compliance with Colorados Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, MCSG Technologies considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidates work experience, education/training, and key skills.

EOE STATEMENT: We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

EXECUTIVE ORDER 14042 - ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS: The United States government may require that all employees, plus all contract employees performing services on behalf of the federal government, be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In accordance with EO 14042, MCSG Technologies may require that all employees with MCSG Technologies be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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