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Missile Modeling Infrared (IR) Plume Engineer – Level 2

Schriever AFB, Colorado, United States
Full Time On-site
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2 (Infrared (IR) Plume Engineer) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located on-site at Schriever Space Force Base, in Colorado Springs, CO.

This role requires employees to be onsite daily with no option for remote/hybrid work.

Position Overview:

Threat Systems Engineering (TSE) is responsible for the development and delivery of high-fidelity threat modeling products in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and MDA’s Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). TSE is responsible for the development of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) used to simulate element models of MDA’s BMDS, including kinematic missile modeling, IR signature modeling, data production/analysis activities, and maintenance/sustainment activities for the entire TSE software baseline. TSE is a cornerstone element to the Threat and Advanced Simulations Development (TASD) contract.

The Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2 (Infrared (IR) Plume Engineer) will be responsible for developing high-fidelity threat missile signature data packages for use in a variety of M&S tools and media. You will have a good understanding of M&S methods and processes; and be able to apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure the accurate portrayal of expected phenomenology characteristics during the flight of a missile.

The selected individual will work with little or no direct supervision, and work as an integral member of a product delivery team, and meet time-critical delivery schedules.

Essential Functions:

  • Gain experience with threat model phenomenology with a focus on Infrared (IR) signatures
  • Research into IR signature predictions and simulation models
  • Actively work with the team to ensure completion of data production needs in support of MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation
  • Work in close coordination with TSE engineers for software requirements of threat modeling tools
  • Understand stakeholder requirements and ensure the quality production of threat missile data

Basic Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0-2 years of experience.
  • Experience with technical analysis of M&S data sets
  • Experience with Verification and Validation of M&S data
  • Applicants must be results-focused, work well within a dynamic environment, be self-motivated, be able to work in a team environment, and be able to produce reliable products and documentation within established deadlines
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to support business needs.
  • Applicants must have a current active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application which is required to start.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Experience with scripting/automation languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB
  • Excellent time management and great attention to detail are necessary
  • Knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles

Preferred Requirements:

  • Strong math, physics, or engineering background is preferred
  • Previous experience with analyzing flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters of ballistic missiles is highly desirable
  • Background in infrared signature modeling
  • Technical Planning, project management, and project scheduling experience
  • Experience with Blackbody IR Emissions
  • Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC)
  • Experience with Joint Army Navy NASA Air Force (JANNAF) plume codes for predictive signatures (SOCRATES-P, PERCORP, VIPER, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles
  • Strong background in missile system engineering performance is highly desirable
  • Experience in Agile software development methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban
  • Familiarity and/or experience with Model-based Systems Engineering theory and tools

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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