Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer (Kinematic) - Level 2 or 3

About the role

Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit has an opportunity for a Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2 or 3 to join the Threat Systems Engineering (TSE) team. This position is located on-site at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO, with no remote/hybrid work option. TSE is responsible for developing high-fidelity threat modeling products in support of the Missile Defense Agency and its Ballistic Missile Defense System, including kinematic missile modeling, IR signature modeling, data production/analysis, and maintenance/sustainment of the software baseline. This role supports the Threat and Advanced Simulations Development contract.

Responsibilities

• Develop ballistic and advanced/hypersonic kinematic threat models for use in modeling and simulation tools, frameworks, and media
• Apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure accurate portrayal of missile or space launch vehicle behavioral characteristics during powered and un-powered flight
• Research, interpret, and verify parameters required to build, replicate, and propagate missile or space launch vehicle trajectories, including staging debris, countermeasures, and payload traits
• Author highly technical Verification and Validation (V&V) documents
• Work with little or no direct supervision as an integral member of a product delivery team and meet time-critical delivery schedules
• Collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, users, and MDA ground test stakeholders to ensure product requirements are met

Basic requirements

Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline preferred with 2 years of technical experience, or 0–2 years with a Master's degree.

Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline preferred with 5 years of relevant experience, or 3 years with a Master's degree, or a PhD and 1 year of related experience.

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (interim clearance required to start)
• Programming background in MATLAB, Python, LaTeX, or other relevant languages
• Familiarity with flight characteristics, motion, and performance of ballistic missiles
• Self-motivated and able to work in a dynamic team environment
• Familiarity with Computer Aided Design tools and models

Preferred qualifications

• Strong math, physics, or engineering background
• Modeling, simulation, and automation experience
• Previous experience modeling flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters of ballistic missiles
• Strong background in missile system engineering performance
• Mastery of engineering modeling principles behind body motion, trajectory generation, countermeasures, and debris
• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret
• Experience with Verification and Validation (V&V) of vehicle kinematics simulation results

Pay

Level 2 salary range: $83,400 – $125,200
Level 3 salary range: $103,600 – $155,400

Base pay offers consider scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Positions may also include overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and annual bonuses based on individual contributions and company results.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business

Schedule

This is an on-site position at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO, requiring daily presence with no remote/hybrid option. Travel up to 10% of the time may be required.