Role OverviewWe 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.
ResponsibilitiesKey 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.
QualificationsMust-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