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.  

This internship position will assist the International Defense Analytics Group with refining, running and post-processing agent-based models.  The International Defense Analytics Group provides senior decision makers within the Australian Defence Force with timely and objective assessments affecting their investment strategies. Our team of experienced military professionals and operations research analysts integrate naval, air, and land warfare expertise with advanced analytic methods - including force generation modeling, agent-based tactical simulations, discrete event simulation, and operational mission analyses - to deliver strategies that redress capacity and capability gaps. Work will be conducted at SPA headquarters in Alexandria Virginia.

Timeline for intern selection: 

Applications can be submitted and will be reviewed until 15 October 2024.

Interviews will conclude by 12 November 2024, with offers/decisions within two weeks of interview.

Responsibilities:

You will have the opportunity to refine and expand existing force and mission-level GCAM® (agent-based) and AnyLogic (discrete-event) models and databases, specifically for the following tasks:  (1) developing an understanding of the existing model and data structures, (2) coding and validating model changes, (3) developing and applying tools to manipulate large amounts of output data, (4) assessing force employment constructs and utility of platform capability upgrades. The work involves independent study, research & development activities, collaboration with military and operations research analysts, and briefings to senior program managers.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Pursuing degree in computer science or be a skilled programmer studying mathematics, physics, operations research, engineering or an equivalent technical field

Proficiency in VBA and Excel (including the use of macros)

Experience applying analytical methods to address complex problems

U.S. citizenship and meets eligibility requirements for access to Secret level information

Desired Qualifications: 

Proficiency in SQL or Microsoft Access

Programming experience developing quick-turn analytic tools

Experience in parametric analysis and design of experiments