Test Analyst
Summary
Test Analyst designs and runs wargame scenarios for the THAAD missile-defense system, validates software in lab environments, and analyzes live-exercise data to ensure system readiness and interoperability.
Test Analyst
Location: Huntsville, AL
Work Location: onsite
Overview. MTSI is seeking a Test Analyst to join a team supporting the Theater-based Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Test & Evaluation Wargames & Exercises (TBTT WG&E) team at the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The TBTT WG&E team plays a critical role in the integration, execution, and continuous improvement of the THAAD weapons system within simulated and live wargaming environments. Duties span the full lifecycle of test events, divided into Non-Deployed (Lab & Training) and Deployed (Operational Execution) responsibilities.
Non-Deployed Responsibilities:
When not actively deployed for exercises, the team focuses on system readiness, software validation, and personnel training within the laboratory environment.
Lab Testing & System Maintenance
- Event Participation: Lead and participate in key annual events including Joint Live, Virtual, & Constructive (JLVC), Regional Integrated Air and Missile Defense Exercise (RIAMDEX), and various Event Verification Tests (EVTs).
- System Refinement: Actively monitor systems to identify deficiencies, annotate issues, and recommend practical fixes.
- Software Implementation: Collaborate with the RISTS development team to implement required software fixes, updates, and patches.
- Network Management: Establish, test, and maintain Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) and Link connections with external test sites to ensure seamless interoperability.
Training & Mentorship
- Continuous Education: Maintain proficiency by attending specialized classes on core simulation tools like MDAsim, TGx, and RISTS.
- Personnel Development: Train incoming government and contractor personnel on RISTS functionality and the broader THAAD weapons system.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct comprehensive briefings for visiting VIPs, demonstrating the operational use and strategic impact of RISTS within the WG&E ecosystem.
Deployed Responsibilities:
During wargames and exercises, the team manages end-to-end execution—from initial scenario design to post-event analysis.
Planning and Design
- Scenario Development: Design realistic, highly challenging wargame scenarios, defining core objectives and managing logistical parameters.
- Modeling & Simulation: Gather critical Warfighter (WF) information to build high-fidelity, end-to-end digital representations of the THAAD weapons system and construct robust battle plans.
- System Integration: Successfully integrate RISTS into the broader Missile Defense System (MDS) architecture for comprehensive wargaming.
- Instruction: Prior to execution, educate military audiences on threat tactics, system capabilities, and employment methods.
Operational Execution
- System Operation: Manage and operate complex tactical and simulation systems simultaneously (e.g., RISTS, TDACS, and MDAsim), maintaining situational awareness of Red and Blue force integration.
- Real-Time Assessment: Conduct real-time evaluations of simulated engagements, ensure accurate threat removal (kill removal) by the Red team, and validate that correct link messages are transmitted from RISTS.
- Console Operations: Act as the Warfighter on console, executing engagements according to Pre-Planned Responses (PPRs), handling voice/chat communications, and relaying critical information to ADAFCO/UTCOs.
- Rapid Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve network or system anomalies instantly to prevent disruptions to the event timeline.
Technical Support and System Operations
- Hardware/Network Setup: Configure foundational hardware and network settings, including IP addresses, ports, gateways, and Battle Plan data to ensure successful MDS integration.
- Data Collection & Feedback: Collect vital test and exercise data to anchor models and simulations. Provide corrupted scenario data directly to RISTS developers to assist in bug resolution and apply subsequent software corrections.
Analysis and Reporting
- Interoperability Analysis: Provide technical guidance and system interoperability analysis regarding RISTS and the THAAD weapon system.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Maintain rigorous communication with the THAAD Project Office (TPO) through Daily Updates.
- Post-Event Deliverables: Develop and distribute critical analytical products, including Pre-and Post-Deployment Reports, Post-Event Analysis, and detailed Event Performance Assessments.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: BA/BS required. Degree in a technical field preferred. Three years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for the BA/BS degree requirement.
- Experience: 7 years relevant experience.
- Clearance: Minimum Secret clearance required.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience with DoD testing desired.
- Experience with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) organization and Missile Defense System (MDS) performance and testing.
- Basic understanding of the THAAD weapon system.
- Experience with model & simulation (M&S) systems.
- Experience with Linux-based computing systems.
Additional Information:
Location: Huntsville, AL, US
Job Category: Analyst Job
Clearance Required: Secret
Potential for Telecommute: Hybrid
Travel: Up to 30%
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