Wargame Designer / Developer @ NATO

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 for a client. 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. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide immigration assistance on this role.

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

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.

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.

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 • Medical, dental, and vision insurance • Short-term and long-term disability • Life insurance • 401(k) with 4% company match • 20 NATO holidays

Compensation: :

https://mjlprojects.com/positions.html?p=fd322d3b-94ab-4c71-bae3-af95c2db8aea