Ray Pursel

About Ray Pursel

I lead interdisciplinary technical teams at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center, where we design and pilot modeling, simulation, and analysis approaches for complex defense and contested systems challenges. My background spans software development, virtual environments, and defense analysis, with a focus on turning operational needs into products warfighters can actually use.Earlier in my career, I served as a Marine Corps officer and CH-46E helicopter pilot, participating in exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific, including time with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. That operational perspective still shapes how I approach technical work today—especially when translating real-world needs into practical, usable systems.Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and cruising—highlights include Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean—and exploring new places whenever I get the chance.

Experience

1. Team Lead

   Civil Engineering And Modeling

   Apr 2025 — Present · Dahlgren, VA, US

   Assembled and is leading a new interdisciplinary team of about twenty Federal civilians and contractors in developing and piloting a novel analysis methodology to assist military planners with their most challenging problems. The team is also architecting the compute environment to support the complex modeling, simulation and analysis environments required to realize that methodology. Providing vision and technical leadership to fulfill our charter, meet the goals of our customers and those of our organization\'s leadership. Also, establishing collaborations and other cooperative relationships with external organizations across several communities of interest. The work is challenging; the team is solid; the problem domain is interesting; and our organization is supportive. I\'ll be happy to be part of this team while that continues.

Education

• Penn State University

  B.S., Computer Science

  1992 — 1995

• Naval Postgraduate School

  M.S., Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation

  2002 — 2004

Skills

• Systems Engineering
• Simulations
• Computer Science
• Research
• Training
• Military
• Dod
• Security Clearance
• Operations Research
• Program Management
• Government
• National Security
• Analysis
• Information Assurance
• C
• Navy
• Artificial Intelligence
• System Design
• Military Experience
• Technical Writing
• Modeling
• Software Engineering
• Proposal Writing
• Integration
• Operational Planning
• Government Contracting
• Defense
• Aviation
• Leadership
• Testing