Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer - Level 2

Northrop Grumman

Colorado Springs, UShybrid$83k-$125k/yrPosted Jul 21, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

Skills

python

About the role

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 Hard Body (IRHB) Missile Modeling 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:

The Threat and Advanced Simulation Development (TASD) Threat Systems Engineering (TSE) / Threat Modeling Center (TMC) at Northrop Grumman Space System sector is looking for you to join our Infrared Radiation Hard Body (IRHB) Missile Modeling team as a Systems Engineer.

This exciting career opportunity at the TMC 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). TMC 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 and RF signatures modeling, data production/analysis activities, and maintenance/sustainment activities for the entire TMC software baseline. TMC is a cornerstone element to the Threat and Advanced Simulation Development (TASD), as part of the MDA Engineering Directorate (DE) Task Order.

The IRHB specialized position will be responsible for capturing and documenting requirements as they pertain to the infrared signature representation of a missile as well as developing infrared hard body missile threat models for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools/frameworks/media.

To successfully support the mission, the IRHB Engineer will be involved in direct discussions and collaborations with threat stakeholders, intelligence analysts, and fellow engineers to achieve highest fidelity representation and simulation of missile systems’ objects. The selected individual will work with little to no direct supervision; and work as an integral member of missile modeling team.

Essential Functions:

Will gain experience with threat model phenomenology with focus on IR signatures.

Will gain experience with IR signature predictions and simulation models

Will work with the team to ensure completion of data production needs in support of MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation

Will work in close coordination with TMC’s Software Engineers

Will work in close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders in the development of IRHB models for new systems and often updates to existing missile systems.

Will gain experience in understanding stakeholders’ requirements and work with the team to ensure vigilant Verification and Validation (V&V) process of deliverables.

Will work with the team to ensure automation and tools improvement are rightfully coordinated – aiming to attain utmost efficiency and meet Leadership objectives.

Will work on defined schedule to timely support MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation events.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline preferred with 2 years of relevant experience, or 0-2 years’ experience with a Masters’ Degree.

Strong math, physics and/or engineering background

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 data sets

Familiarity with basic thermodynamics

Experience with scripting/automation languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB

Experience with Verification and Validation of data

Must have a good understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes.

Applicants must be result-focused, work well within a dynamic team environment, be self-motivated, and be able to produce reliable products and documentation within established deadlines.

Preferred Requirements:

Previous experience with analyzing flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters of ballistic missiles is highly desirable

Strong background in missile system engineering performance

Familiarity with material science

Background in IR Signatures modeling

Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC)

Experience in Agile software development methodologies including Scrum and Kanban

Familiarity with the flight characteristics, motion, and performance of missile systems

Familiarity with infrared signature concepts and physics behind hard body heating and how they affect infrared intensities.

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.

Compensation

This Systems Engineer role pays $83k-$125k/yr. Within typical range for systems engineer roles in United States.

Questions about this role

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