Program Manager or Senior Analyst

For U.S. Coast Guard

New London, CT

Analysis of Specific Systems or Technologies – Modeling and analysis is needed to support assessment of specific systems or technologies that can meet high-priority needs of the Coast Guard in ways that are both practical and cost-effective.  This area typically involves use of engineering or specialty level models to assess items such as sensor or communications performance predictions; network analysis; mobile platform capability analysis, i.e. speed endurance, or mission prosecution capability; or physical process analysis such as ocean current prediction, pollutant dispersion, or energy consumption.

Mission/Engagement Level Analysis – Modeling and analysis is needed to assess the effectiveness of assets and tactics at the mission or engagement level of detail.  Types of applications may include mission analysis support, business process re-engineering, system performance assessment, tactics and concept of operation assessment, and acquisition support.  Representative tasks are likely to include design, modification, and execution of Monte Carlo engagement modeling and simulation tools; development of maritime mission modeling scenarios; literature research; development of measures of mission effectiveness and mission performance.

Campaign, Resource Allocation, and Force Planning Analysis – Modeling and analysis is needed to assess large scale campaigns or force planning options.  Types of application may include mission analysis support, business process re-engineering, system performance assessment, strategy development, concept of operation assessment, and acquisition support.  Representative tasks are likely to include design, modification, and execution of campaign level models or application of system dynamics; development of campaign modeling scenarios; literature research; development of resource allocation and scheduling tools, and examination of logistics support schemes.

Sensor Performance Modeling, Validation, and Analysis - Modeling and analysis is needed to predict the performance of electronic sensors employed in CG missions at sea.  Efforts will include design and analysis of at-sea operational sensor tests, as well as the use of sensor performance prediction tools such as the Department of Defense Target Acquisition Weapons Software (TAWS) and the Advanced Refractive Effects Prediction System (AREPS). The at-sea test data is used to validate and calibrate these prediction tools in order to expand sensor performance data to a wider range of USCG operational scenarios.  Sensor performance data are then used in commercially available, customized software tools developed at the R&D Center to conduct analysis and visualization of sensor, and platform, system capability to achieve maritime domain awareness and other USCG mission objectives. In addition, developing appropriate 3D models of targets for use in sensor performance prediction tools are an important element of this functional area.  

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) – Modeling and analysis is needed to characterize performance gaps, propose solutions, analyze alternatives, assess, evaluate, compare, document and transition improved concepts, systems and services that address gaps in technologies that support C4ISR needs.  Solutions must enhance robustness, improve interoperability and affordability, focus on standards-based, non-proprietary solutions, and must determine, validate, and evaluate appropriate measures of effectiveness. In particular, modeling and analysis will support: advancement of the CG’s active and passive sensing capabilities in surveillance, detection, classification, and identification of vessels and other airborne, surface, and underwater contacts of interest in off-shore, port and coastal areas and inland waterways; collection and analysis of data into actionable information and intelligence, including innovative cognitive and collaboration aids; advancement of the Automated Identification System (AIS); and development of robust sensor networks.  These efforts will require improvements in sensor resource management, analysis of target detection and environmental effects, application of advanced signal, track and information processing and fusion techniques, automated alerting, and effective display and control concepts for operators.  Projects will also involve improvements to information fusion, multi-domain access, vessel traffic pattern analysis and decision-support that will work to increase processing and dissemination of actionable information at all levels of command and control. Communications project areas will support intra- and inter-team communications, collaboration on radio spectrum allocation and utilization, and research to improve and enhance communication efficacy in high latitude areas such as the Arctic. These C4ISR projects will always require understanding, consideration and assessment of the impacts of the CG’s operational realities and environments upon technology choices.  Work in these areas is expected to include a high degree of coordination in seeking of goals and solutions, between CG and elements of the Department of Homeland Security (e.g., Customs and Border Protection) and the Department of Defense (e.g., the Navy).

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) – Modeling and analysis is needed to support development of man-machine interface systems and procedures for providing data and information to human decision makers.  This area focuses on supporting the design of equipment, systems, and work environments to accommodate the capabilities and limitations of the human user.  It considers a myriad of factors such as anthropometry, the design of displays and controls, the allocation of functions between the machine and the human, the effects of heat, vibration, noise, and lighting on the human, human cognition, attention, and memory, sensation and perception, and individual and team performance.  This area typically involves use of specialty level models or man-in-the-loop simulation to assess items such as information recognition and understanding from display systems; operator task analysis; or the effectiveness of training system utilization and the resulting efficiency and safety of workforce performance.

Data Development, Analysis, and Visualization -   This functional area supports data collection, analysis, and visualization to characterize: environmental impacts, marine traffic density, resource utilization, force posture, and the spatial distribution of mission demand. This data is often turned into statistical distributions or enable computer visualization (static and dynamic) of key operational elements to guide early stages of model development, facilitate communication, and as an aid to establish a shared understanding between analysts and problem stakeholders.

General Operations Analysis Support Tool Development - This functional area strives to enhance the RDC’s capabilities in developing, maintaining, and using operations analysis tools and approaches in support of Coast Guard operations analysis.  It involves investigation of new modeling and simulation tools or concepts, data collection and analysis, database development, and maintenance and use of existing modeling tools and capabilities.