Missile Modeling Kinematics Engineer - Levels 2/3 at Northrop Grumman Colorado Springs, CO

Description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Missile Modeling Engineer to support its Specialized Warfighter Development Contract (SWDC), under the Threat Modeling Center (TMC). The TMC is responsible for the development and delivery of high-fidelity threat modeling products in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and its Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The Missile Modeling Engineer role serves as a developer and verifier of kinematic threat models in support of the MDA’s mission. The position requires a detail‑oriented mid‑level engineer who understands aerodynamic forces, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, and can model and simulate system kinematics within the TMC’s model generation framework. The engineer will also provide documentation required for running threat data in Ground Test architectures. This role requires employees to be on‑site daily at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Relocation is not available.

Essential Functions

• Develop ballistic and advanced/hypersonic kinematic threat models for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools, frameworks, and media.
• Apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure accurate portrayal of expected missile or space launch vehicle behavioral characteristics during all phases of 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 independently or as an integral member of a product delivery team and meet time‑critical delivery schedules with little to no direct supervision.

Basic Qualifications

• Level3: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience, or a PhD and 0 years of experience.
• Level2: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) preferred from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of experience.

Basic Requirements Across Levels

• Must already possess an active DoD Secret clearance.
• Programming background to include languages such as MATLAB, Python, and LaTeX.
• Strong knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, and performance of ballistic missiles.
• Self‑motivated and able to work in a dynamic team environment.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, users, and MDA ground test stakeholders to ensure product requirements are met.
• Familiar with Computer Aided Design tools and models.
• Experience with Verification and Validation (V&V) of vehicle kinematics simulation results.

Preferred Requirements

• Strong math, physics, or engineering background.
• Modeling, simulation, and automation experience.
• Previous experience with 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, counter measures, and debris.
• Possess an active DoD Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance.

What We Can Offer You

• Health Plan
• Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Education Assistance
• Training and Development
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Salary Range

Primary Level: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00
Secondary Level: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Application & Equal Opportunity Statement

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 the official website. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.