Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a IR Plume Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2 or 3 (IR Plume Mod/Sim Systems 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 models and simulations (M&S) used to stimulate 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.
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 TMC engineers for software requirements of threat modeling tools
- Understand stakeholder requirements and ensure the quality production of threat missile data.
- Responsible for developing high fidelity threat missile signature data packages for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools and media.
- Will demonstrate a good understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes.
- Will apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure the accurate portrayal of expected phenomenology characteristics during the flight of a missile.
- 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.
Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.
This requisition may be fulfilled at either the Modeling and Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2 or Principal Modeling and Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 3.
Basic Requirements:
- Level 2 - Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline preferred with 2 years of technical experience, or 0-2 years’ experience with a Masters’ Degree.
- Level 3 - Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline with 0-3 years of experience.
- 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.
- Experience with technical analysis of modeling and simulation data sets
- Experience with Verification and Validation of modeling and simulation data
- Candidate must be results-focused, work well within a dynamic environment, be self-motivated, able to work in a team environment, and be able to produce reliable products and documentation within established deadlines
- Experience and proficiency with scripting/automation languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB
- Foundational understanding of data analysis concepts.
- Knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles
Preferred Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related STEM field
- Good understanding of aerothermodynamics, radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and molecular spectroscopy
- 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
- Active or Interim DoD Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret with access to SCI
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Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The 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.Skills Required
- Level 2: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of technical experience, or a master's degree with 0–2 years of experience
- Level 3: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related experience, or a master's degree and 3 years of experience, or a PhD with 0–3 years of experience
- Current active, in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret security clearance at application and start
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time
- Experience with technical analysis of modeling and simulation datasets
- Experience with verification and validation of modeling and simulation data
- Experience with scripting or automation languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB
- Foundational understanding of data analysis concepts
- Knowledge of missile flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or related STEM field
- Understanding of aerothermodynamics, radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and molecular spectroscopy
- Experience analyzing ballistic missile flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance parameters
- Background in infrared signature modeling
- Technical planning, project management, and project scheduling experience
- Experience with blackbody infrared emissions
- Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code
- Experience with JANNAF plume codes such as SOCRATES-P, PERCORP, or VIPER
- Strong background in missile systems engineering performance
- Experience with Agile software development, including Scrum and Kanban
- Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering theory and tools
- Active or interim DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret access to SCI
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — Retirement plans with a company 401(k) match are emphasized as a strong part of total compensation. These offerings are portrayed as especially valuable for long-term financial security.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical insurance is complemented by wellness programs and related support, contributing to a comprehensive benefits package. Health coverage is frequently regarded as a core strength of the offering.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous paid time off and, at many locations, compressed 9/80 schedules support work-life balance with regular time away. Availability can vary by site and role, but where offered these arrangements are considered attractive.
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