Launch Your Career as a Physicist with the Joint Warfare Analysis Center
Are you a scientist driven by curiosity and a desire to contribute to national security? The Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC) is currently hiring for a Physicist position in Dahlgren, Virginia. This unique role offers the chance to work at the intersection of physics and strategic warfare, providing critical analysis that informs high-level decision-making.
Job Responsibilities
As a physicist, your responsibilities will evolve based on your expertise level (DR-01 or DR-02):
- Mathematical Modeling: Developing and refining complex mathematical models to simulate real-world phenomena.
- Targeting Analysis: Providing quantitative and qualitative assessments to support warfare planning.
- Team Collaboration: Working across multidisciplinary teams, including intelligence analysts and software engineers.
- Innovation: Exploring new methodologies to improve analytical accuracy and organizational efficiency.
Role Comparison Table
| Feature | Junior Level (DR-1310-01) | Senior Level (DR-1310-02) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Supportive/Developmental | Recognized Technical Expert |
| Modeling | Develops basic/moderate models | Develops complex network systems |
| Collaboration | Multi-disciplinary teamwork | Leads and mentors teams |
| Impact | Foundational research | Influences high-level decisions |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet stringent professional standards. Candidates are expected to possess a degree in physics (or a closely related field with at least 24 semester hours in physics). You must demonstrate specialized experience in assisting with mathematical modeling or analyzing complex networks, depending on the grade level applied for. A high-risk security clearance is a requirement of the role, necessitating a background check and a drug screening.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $62,668 to $158,756 per year, reflecting the professional nature of the work and the high level of technical expertise required.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a powerful retirement tool.
- Generous leave accrual programs.
- Telework flexibility.
- Professional mentorship and continuous learning opportunities.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Keep your resume to two pages maximum. The selection committee will not review longer documents.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts are legible and include your full name to avoid delays.
- Detailing Experience: Explicitly state the number of hours worked per week for each role. This is critical for qualification.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for professionals looking to apply their physics background to meaningful, real-world problems. If you are ready to serve and innovate, apply to the Joint Warfare Analysis Center today.
Why This Physicist- Direct Hire Authority Job Matters
Join the elite Joint Warfare Analysis Center as a Physicist and help shape the future of national security through advanced mathematical modeling and scientific research.
Physicist- Direct Hire Authority Job Overview
The Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC) is seeking highly motivated individuals for the position of Physicist. In this role, you will apply rigorous scientific principles and advanced analytical modeling to solve complex problems in support of strategic warfare planning. As a key technical contributor, you will bridge the gap between theoretical physics and operational mission success, creating actionable intelligence and analytical products for military stakeholders.
Requirements for Physicist- Direct Hire Authority
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess a degree in physics or a related degree with at least 24 semester hours in physics.
- Must have completed fundamental courses in general physics plus two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, or sound.
- Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the equivalent GS-05 level (for lower tier) or GS-11/DR-01 level (for higher tier).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must submit official academic transcripts if qualifying based on education.
- Resume must not exceed two pages and must include hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Physicist- Direct Hire Authority
- Expertise in engineering mechanics and weapons effects prediction.
- Demonstrated experience with Monte Carlo simulation techniques and associated automation scripting.
- Proven ability to translate complex data into actionable technical reports for military leadership.
- Familiarity with national security issues, military command structures, and intelligence datasets.
- Strong aptitude for creative problem-solving and developing new analytical methodologies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement savings program (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package
💡 How to Apply Physicist- Direct Hire Authority Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physicist- Direct Hire Authority Job
- Create or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages and clearly lists hours worked and employment dates.
- Complete the online Application Questionnaire via the USAJobs portal.
- Submit your resume, questionnaire, and any supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, SF-50 for current federal employees).
- Ensure the final application is submitted by the closing date of October 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in scientific and mathematical modeling.
- Double-check your application for clarity, ensuring all work history includes the total hours worked per week.
- Verify your eligibility documents, such as SF-50s or transcripts, are legible and include your full name.
- Monitor your email for status updates after your submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Physicist at JWAC?
You will develop mathematical models and perform effects assessments to support warfare planning options for military customers.
Can I qualify with a combination of education and experience?
Yes, you may qualify if you have completed at least 24 semester hours in physics and possess appropriate specialized experience.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy.
What is the security clearance level for this role?
*A: It is a Special-Sensitive position requiring a high-risk clearance.*
Can I apply if I do not have a degree in Physics?
*A: You must have at least 24 semester hours of physics coursework within a related degree to qualify.*
Job from Air Force Elements, U.S. Strategic Command
The Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC) is a premier organization within the Department of the Air Force and U.S. Strategic Command. JWAC provides rapid, rigorous analysis to support military commanders, helping them understand the effects of potential actions and develop effective strategic options. Working at JWAC means joining a community dedicated to integrity, excellence, and global service.