Wargame Designer / Developer @ NATO

Est. Bounty $5,750 - 6,000
5% of Salary, 45 day guarantee
Active for1w 1d 14hr
Company Name

* Apply to Reveal *

Role Type

Full-time Salaried Employee - On Site

Location

On-site at Norfolk, VA

Salary / Hourly Rate

$115,000 - 120,000

Relocation AssistRelocation Assist
Retirement/401kRetirement/401k
Health InsuranceHealth Insurance
Vision InsuranceVision Insurance
Dental InsuranceDental Insurance
Willing to SponsorWilling to Sponsor
Additional Benefits

• Performance bonus

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability

• Life insurance

• 401(k) with 4% company match

• 20 NATO holidays

Role Information

Role Overview

We are seeking a Wargame Designer & Developer with expertise in game mechanics, strategic planning, and scenario development to support high-level wargaming initiatives. This role involves designing, developing, and refining wargames that align with military and defense objectives, ensuring that gameplay accurately reflects real-world scenarios. The ideal candidate will have strong research capabilities, experience in multinational defense environments, and proficiency in creating maps, adjudication tools, and playtesting wargames. They must be comfortable collaborating with analysts, game directors, and strategic planners to craft engaging and analytically sound wargaming experiences. This position requires an active Secret security clearance, strong communication skills, and a track record of successful wargaming project execution.


Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

  • Define wargame purpose, theme, objectives, and research questions in collaboration with sponsors and game directors.
  • Scope number of participants, time constraints, and other key constraints of wargame design.
  • Conduct research on existing wargames, relevant mechanics, professional literature, and doctrine to inform game design.
  • Develop core rules and mechanics for the wargame, ensuring alignment with objectives.
  • Design and create necessary game components, including:
    • Maps and game boards
    • Markers and pieces
    • Adjudication tools and rules
    • Digital or physical gameplay components
  • Collaborate with analysts, scenario developers, and game directors throughout the process.
  • Conduct playtesting and refinement of mechanics and rules before execution.
  • Prepare and present detailed design and development briefs to key stakeholders.
  • Assist with facilitation of wargame execution when required.
  • Support additional wargame-related tasks as assigned by the game director or COTR.


Qualifications

Must-Have: (SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED)

4-Year University degree in a relevant discipline

5+ years of experience in professional wargame design/development at the military strategic and operational level across Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME) domains

Experience applying wargaming techniques to solve analytic problems (5-10 years)

Proven track record of delivering successful wargaming projects

NATO member country nationality

NATO Secret Security Clearance or national equivalent

Proficiency in English (STANAG 6001 SLP 4444 or equivalent)

Experience working with multinational teams

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, collaborative software, and Microsoft Visio

Nice-to-Have:

  • Familiarity with NATO operations and structure
  • Advanced knowledge of wargaming methodologies and strategic planning

Company Information

About Company

No information available


Culture

No information available

Additional Information

Day to day

  • Work directly with game sponsors, analysts, and developers to ensure objectives are met.
  • Conduct research and development of new wargaming strategies and mechanics.
  • Test and refine game mechanics through playtesting.
  • Develop comprehensive design documentation and present findings to stakeholders.
  • Support real-time execution of wargames as required.


Challenges

• High-level security clearance and strict compliance with NATO protocols.

• Managing insights on emerging global threats.

• Coordinating across multilingual and multidisciplinary teams.


Reporting Structure

  • Reports to the Game Director / COTR.
  • Works closely with analysts, scenario developers, and other wargame specialists.


Team

Work at NATO with Securifense Wargaming Team


Growth

This role offers opportunities for career development and advancement within the defense and wargaming industry. Employees will gain hands-on experience in wargame design and development at the military strategic and operational level, working on high-impact projects that influence decision-making. There is potential for progression into leadership roles, game direction, or specialized wargaming strategy positions. Additionally, exposure to multinational teams and NATO operations can open pathways to advanced roles in military analysis, defense consulting, or international strategy development.


Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate has strong experience in professional wargame design and development at the strategic and operational levels, with a proven ability to develop game mechanics, adjudication tools, and research-based scenarios. They have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, are comfortable working with multinational teams, and are experienced in applying wargaming techniques to address complex strategic challenges. A background in military operations, strategy, or defense analysis is highly preferred, along with a Secret-level security clearance and experience working within NATO frameworks.


Companies to source from

  • Amentum – Provides intelligence analysis, operational support, and counter-terrorism solutions globally.
  • The Counterterrorism Group, Inc. – Specializes in intelligence analysis, open-source intelligence, and counter-terrorism operations.
  • Palantir Technologies – Develops data integration and analysis software used by defense and intelligence agencies for counter-terrorism efforts.
  • KACE – Offers investigative and intelligence analysis to dismantle domestic and transnational criminal and terrorist organizations.
  • Terrogence – Provides intelligence solutions to government agencies and commercial enterprises, focusing on counter-terrorism.
  • i2 Group – Delivers link analysis software ideal for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
  • Insight Threat Intelligence – Specializes in terrorism indicators, illicit financing, and intelligence analysis.
  • Nirtal – Focuses on counter-terrorism warfare, intelligence, and special urban warfare training.
  • Leidos – Offers intelligence analysis and operational support services to defense and intelligence agencies.
  • Booz Allen Hamilton – Provides management and technology consulting services with expertise in intelligence analysis.
  • Raytheon Technologies – Develops advanced defense and cybersecurity solutions for counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Elbit Systems – Develops a wide range of defense, homeland security, and commercial systems, including intelligence and cyber solutions.
  • Lockheed Martin – Engages in global security and aerospace, offering intelligence analysis and counter-terrorism solutions.
  • Northrop Grumman – Provides innovative systems and solutions in aerospace, electronics, and information systems, including counter-terrorism.
  • SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) – Offers government services and information technology support, including intelligence analysis.
  • CACI International – Provides information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation.
  • ManTech International – Delivers advanced technological services to federal government agencies, including intelligence analysis.
  • General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) – Offers IT services and mission solutions to defense and intelligence agencies.
  • Parsons Corporation – Provides engineering, construction, technical, and management services, including security and intelligence solutions.
  • DynCorp International – Offers specialized mission-critical services to civilian and military government agencies, including counter-terrorism support.
  • SRA International – Provides technology and strategic consulting services, including intelligence analysis, to government clients.
  • L3Harris Technologies – Develops tactical communications, geospatial systems, air traffic management, avionics, and surveillance solutions.
  • BAE Systems – Provides advanced defense technology solutions, including intelligence analysis and counter-terrorism support.
  • QinetiQ – Offers technology-based solutions and services to defense, security, and related markets, including intelligence analysis.
  • Boeing Defense, Space & Security – Provides products and services for defense, including intelligence analysis and surveillance systems.


Companies to stay away from

n/a


Miscellaneous Info

No Sponsorship, No Relocation, NEED SECRET CLEARANCE

Candidate Pipeline

All Candidates:

New Candidates:

In Review:

Interviewing:

Final Interview:

Hired:

Rejected:

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Client Messaging Channel

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Interview Information

Interview Process

3 rounds of interviews, at least two video calls, background checks


Key Screening Questions

  • Do you have Secret Clearance? (Minimum Requirement)
  • Are you within commuting distance of Norfolk, VA? (Minimum Requirement)
  • Do you meet all the qualifications of this role? Please explain.