Wargame Design Analyst

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. SPA's NATO Allied Command Transformation Group, within JOID, provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. We have a near-term need for a Wargame Design Analyst to provide onsite support in Norfolk, VA. Responsibilities The candidate will execute the following taskings : engage with the game sponsor, Project Manager, and Game Director to define the problem statement, aim, objectives, research questions, and intended use of wargame outputs. Research relevant doctrine, existing wargames (commercial and professional), academic writings, and lessons learned to inform design choices. Develop or adapt the core rules, mechanics, and structure of the wargame to ensure alignment with objectives and constraints, including available time, participant numbers, classification level, and required outputs. Design and produce physical and digital wargame components, including maps, boards, markers, cards, adjudication tools, and software interfaces. Coordinate closely with the scenario coordinator, analysts, and event planners to integrate scenario content and ensure venue layouts support compelling gameplay. Lead or assist with playtesting, rehearsals, and refinement cycles, incorporating facilitator and analyst feedback to ensure the wargame achieves its intended purpose. Prepare and deliver design briefs and validation reports, articulating how the design meets the sponsor's objectives. Support wargame execution by helping facilitate gameplay, explaining rules, and troubleshooting design-related issues as they arise. Perform additional tasks related to event planning / wargame design or documentation as required by the COTR within the scope of this contract. Qualifications Required : Nationality of one of the NATO member countries. Bachelor's degree in security / defence studies, analysis or related field. 4+ years of experience, including demonstrated experience in wargame design, development, or similar structured analytical design in the past 5 years, preferably within multinational or military environments. Demonstrated ability to create or adapt core rules, mechanics, and structures for wargames aligned with specific aims and objectives. Demonstrated experience conducting or leading playtesting cycles, incorporating feedback to refine wargame products. Demonstrated experience working in multinational teams. Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and coordination experience. NATO Secret Security Clearance or national equivalent. Demonstrated proficiency in English as defined in STANAG 6001 (SLP 4444) or equivalent. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Tool suite, collaborative platforms, and familiarity with visualisation tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio or similar). Prior experience designing or supporting NATO wargames at an operational or strategic level. Demonstrated experience preparing design briefs, validation reports, or contributing sections to final wargame reports and after-action report (AAR) documentation. Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Qualifications

Required : Nationality of one of the NATO member countries. Bachelor's degree in security / defence studies, analysis or related field. 4+ years of experience, including demonstrated experience in wargame design, development, or similar structured analytical design in the past 5 years, preferably within multinational or military environments. Demonstrated ability to create or adapt core rules, mechanics, and structures for wargames aligned with specific aims and objectives. Demonstrated experience conducting or leading playtesting cycles, incorporating feedback to refine wargame products. Demonstrated experience working in multinational teams. Demonstrated stakeholder engagement and coordination experience. NATO Secret Security Clearance or national equivalent. Demonstrated proficiency in English as defined in STANAG 6001 (SLP 4444) or equivalent. Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Tool suite, collaborative platforms, and familiarity with visualisation tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio or similar). Prior experience designing or supporting NATO wargames at an operational or strategic level. Demonstrated experience preparing design briefs, validation reports, or contributing sections to final wargame reports and after-action report (AAR) documentation. Able to work fully onsite based on client needs.

Responsibilities

The candidate will execute the following taskings : engage with the game sponsor, Project Manager, and Game Director to define the problem statement, aim, objectives, research questions, and intended use of wargame outputs. Research relevant doctrine, existing wargames (commercial and professional), academic writings, and lessons learned to inform design choices. Develop or adapt the core rules, mechanics, and structure of the wargame to ensure alignment with objectives and constraints, including available time, participant numbers, classification level, and required outputs. Design and produce physical and digital wargame components, including maps, boards, markers, cards, adjudication tools, and software interfaces. Coordinate closely with the scenario coordinator, analysts, and event planners to integrate scenario content and ensure venue layouts support compelling gameplay. Lead or assist with playtesting, rehearsals, and refinement cycles, incorporating facilitator and analyst feedback to ensure the wargame achieves its intended purpose. Prepare and deliver design briefs and validation reports, articulating how the design meets the sponsor's objectives. Support wargame execution by helping facilitate gameplay, explaining rules, and troubleshooting design-related issues as they arise. Perform additional tasks related to event planning / wargame design or documentation as required by the COTR within the scope of this contract.