Principal Application Engineer - Missile Defense

About the role

We Are:

At Synopsys, we drive the innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology is central to the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, from self-driving cars to learning machines. We lead in chip design, verification, and IP integration, empowering the creation of high-performance silicon chips and software content. Join us to transform the future through continuous technological innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity modeling and simulation environments for air and missile defense systems.
• Model threat trajectories and associated signature behaviors across multiple sensing modalities, including RF, IR, and other relevant spectra.
• Develop and integrate signature simulation capabilities to represent realistic missile launch, staging events, and associated sensor-observable phenomena.
• Apply expertise in radar phenomenology and RF sensing systems, including understanding how different radar bands and sensor architectures observe and interpret target behavior.
• Simulate complex sensor observations for threat detection, tracking, discrimination, and battle management decision support.
• Implement and utilize advanced modeling frameworks to represent sensing systems, track fusion, and custody management functions across the missile defense kill chain.
• Contribute to the design and generation of synthetic data environments for training AI/ML systems used in sensor interpretation, target discrimination, and data fusion.
• Develop robust training datasets covering target-present and target-absent scenarios to mitigate algorithmic bias.
• Collaborate with experts in signature characterization, sensor phenomenology, and threat modeling to ensure simulation fidelity and technical accuracy.
• Support integration of modeling and sensing simulations into larger operational and analysis frameworks.
• Provide technical leadership in missile defense sensing, signature modeling, and simulation fidelity.
• Assist in defining modeling requirements and technical approaches for emerging programs involving generative simulation of sensing systems.

Requirements

• BS degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field (Minimum Requirements -BS+10, MS+8years of experience, Preferred Requirements-BS+12, MS+10, or PhD+7years of experience).
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python scripting for modeling and interfacing with DoD systems.
• Extensive experience in air and missile defense systems and related sensor architectures.
• Deep understanding of sensor phenomenology and signature modeling, including RF and IR signatures.
• Experience with real-world radar or EO/IR systems and data, to include threat systems.
• Experience modeling radar sensing environments, including knowledge of radar bands (e.g., X-band) and their implications for target detection and characterization.
• Familiarity with Systems Tool Kit (STK) and Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM).
• Experience with track fusion, discrimination algorithms, and battle management concepts within missile defense architectures.
• Experience generating synthetic datasets for AI/ML training.
• Understanding of machine learning data preparation and bias mitigation for sensor and target recognition applications.
• Understanding of missile flight dynamics, including staging events and trajectory behaviors that impact sensor observables.

Qualifications

• An active DoD TS/SCI clearance.
• This position requires an active government security clearance, TS/SCI.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen for consideration.

Skills

• Logical problem-solver with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluent in writing and speaking English.
• Organized, with effective time management and a sense of urgency.
• Professional image and business acumen; driven to succeed.
• Self-motivated, able to multitask and thrive in timeline-driven environments.
• Collaborative, able to work with other departments, customers, and industry partners.
• Willing to travel domestically up to 25% of the time.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs.
• The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of job-related factors, including location, skills, experience, and education.