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 (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:
- Data Engineering and Validation
- Handling large-scale, multi-dimensional array datasets
- Validating simulated data against measured test or flight data
- Analytical Rigor
- A natural tendency toward thoroughness and attention to detail
- Meticulous verification and validation of large, technical datasets
- Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Systematic Root-Cause Analysis: Ability to logically isolate variables and trace errors to determine if a simulation failure is caused by bad input data, software bugs, or system configuration issues.
- Legacy & Custom Code Debugging: Skilled at reading, parsing, and fixing errors in undocumented, in-house tools or legacy scripts (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) without relying on external support or documentation.
- Log Parsing & Error Identification: Proficient at reading complex log files, console outputs, and stack traces to quickly pinpoint why a simulation run or data conversion tool crashed.
- Data Sanity and “Silent Error” Detection: Able to identify and fix “silent failures” – where a tool runs to completion but produces physically or mathematically incorrect data.
- Team Collaboration
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to create and work within schedules and timelines
Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.
Basic Requirements:
- 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.
- 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.
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB or other scripting languages
- Foundational understanding of aerothermodynamics, radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and molecular spectroscopy
- Foundational understanding of data analysis concepts.
- Basic conceptual understanding of flight dynamics and aerodynamics
Preferred Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related STEM field
- Strong math, physics or engineering background
- Modeling, Simulation, and automation experience
- Experience with atmospheric modeling codes (e.g. MODTRAN)
- Experience with JANNAF radiative signature codes
- Experience working in Linux based distributed computational environments
#COSpace
#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSysEngJobs
#SPEnhancedERAP
Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00The 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
- Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline with two years of technical experience, or a master's degree with zero to two years of experience
- Current active in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or other scripting languages
- Foundational understanding of aerothermodynamics, radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and molecular spectroscopy
- Foundational understanding of data analysis concepts
- Basic conceptual understanding of flight dynamics and aerodynamics
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time
- Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related STEM field
- Strong mathematics, physics, or engineering background
- Modeling, simulation, and automation experience
- Experience with atmospheric modeling codes such as MODTRAN
- Experience with JANNAF radiative signature codes
- Experience working in Linux-based distributed computational environments
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.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
-
Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.








