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Wargaming Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SPA

AFSIM M&S Analyst with Security Clearance

Arlington, VA · On-site

$135K - $180K/yr

Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics, and operations research/system analysis support to the national security mission. As a leader in the ...

SPA

AFSIM Analyst with Security Clearance

Quantico, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics, and operations research/system analysis support to the national security mission. As a leader in the ...

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Wargaming Analyst information

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$73.3K

$130K

How much do wargaming analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for wargaming analyst in the United States is $73,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do wargaming data analysts make?

Wargaming data analysts typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with specialized skills in data modeling and analysis tools can earn higher salaries.

What does a wargaming analyst do?

A wargaming analyst designs and conducts simulated scenarios to evaluate military strategies, policies, or systems. They analyze outcomes, identify vulnerabilities, and provide recommendations, often using specialized software and data analysis skills to support decision-making processes.

How to become a gaming analyst?

To become a gaming analyst, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fields like data analysis, computer science, or game design. Developing skills in data analysis tools, understanding game mechanics, and gaining experience through internships or related roles are important steps. Knowledge of gaming industry trends and strong analytical abilities are essential for success in this role.

What are wargaming analysts?

Wargaming analysts are professionals who design, conduct, and analyze simulated conflict scenarios, often for military, defense, or strategic planning purposes. They use specialized models and simulations to study potential outcomes of military operations, policy decisions, or security threats. Their work helps organizations anticipate challenges, improve strategies, and make informed decisions by understanding possible future scenarios. Wargaming analysts often collaborate with subject matter experts and use both historical data and current intelligence to ensure realistic simulations.

What is the difference between Wargaming Analyst vs Game Data Analyst?

AspectWargaming AnalystGame Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Game Design, Military Strategy, or related fields; knowledge of wargaming simulationsBachelor's in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields; proficiency in data analysis tools
Work EnvironmentDefense, military simulation, or gaming industry; often collaborative and project-basedGaming industry, tech companies, or entertainment; data-driven and analytical
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary organizations, defense contractors, gaming companies specializing in strategy gamesVideo game studios, tech firms, entertainment companies

While both roles involve analyzing data and simulations, a Wargaming Analyst focuses on military or strategic simulations, often within defense or gaming sectors, whereas a Game Data Analyst concentrates on analyzing player data and game performance in the gaming industry. The roles share skills in data analysis but differ in their specific applications and industry focus.

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 background in military science or strategic studies, and often a relevant degree such as in international relations or defense analysis. Familiarity with modeling and simulation software, data analysis tools, and wargaming platforms is typically required, along with specialized certifications in wargaming or simulation. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills set standout professionals apart in this field. These capabilities are vital for accurately simulating scenarios, interpreting complex data, and effectively conveying insights to support decision-making in defense or policy environments.

How does a Wargaming Analyst typically collaborate with military or defense teams during simulation exercises?

Wargaming Analysts often work closely with military planners, strategists, and subject matter experts to design and execute simulation exercises. They facilitate communication between stakeholders, collect and analyze data during scenarios, and provide objective assessments of outcomes. This role requires strong teamwork and the ability to translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations, ensuring that exercises meet training or research objectives. Regular debriefs and feedback sessions are common, fostering a collaborative and iterative work environment.

How much do video game analysts make?

Video game analysts typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of their analysis. Entry-level analysts may start at lower salaries, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher compensation, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.
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Wargaming Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wargaming Analyst job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,261 per year, or $35.2 per hour.
Modeling and Simulation Analyst

Modeling and Simulation Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

Quantico, VA • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.
Group W provides wargaming, warfare modeling and simulation, software development, data analytics, and operations research/system analysis support to the national security mission. As a leader in the fields of campaign, mission, and wargaming analysis we embrace the cycle of research paradigm, continually seeking to improve the multi-method application of tools, data, methods, and techniques to generate credible and resilient insights to inform decisions on the Department's most challenging issues spanning CONOPs, acquisitions, force structures, tactics, and strategies. Group W is the developer and maintainer of the Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM), the authoritative M&S tool accepted by the Joint Analytic Community for analysis of theater-level, multi-domain, joint warfare. Similarly, we developed and manage the Standard Wargame Integration and Facilitation Tool (SWIFT) for OSW as an adaptable environment to support joint force combatants' wargaming requirements.
Group W has an immediate need for an STORM Developer/Analyst to work onsite at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. location.
Responsibilities
The STORM Developer/Analyst will develop software using open-source tools to meet design requirements established by Department of Defense clients. The role requires close coordination with team members to shape system design, functionality, and analytical approaches. The Developer/Analyst will apply knowledge of modeling, simulation, and Operations Research techniques to support analyses, wargames, exercises, and experiments across a range of defense problem sets. This work will include both independent and collaborative assessments supporting capability trades, system trades, force structure analysis, and Service-specific studies.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering or other technically-related areas of study.
  • 1+ year of experience in the analysis, development, and implementation of software.
  • A broad understanding of various technologies related to the development of software or applications.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret DoW security clearance during the time of employment.
  • Able to work fully onsite.

Desired:
  • Master's degree in a technical discipline.
  • Active Secret clearance or higher.
  • 3+ years of experience in the analysis, development, and implementation of software.
  • Experience in developing models with one of more of the following software tools, languages or other technology that provides comparable functionality: Python, C#, C++, Perl, MATLAB, R, MySQL, XML, bison, OpenMap, CBS, JSON, AFSIM, EADSIM, JFAST, Thunder, or JICM.
  • Experience with STORM (Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model).

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.
Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
VA Pay Transparency Salary range: $80k - $120k

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