Kinematic Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer - Level 2 or 3 (AHT)

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 or 3 (Kinematic 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 Simulation Development (TASD) contract.

This position is responsible for understanding Aerodynamic forces, Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) systems, modeling & simulation of systems’ kinematics characteristics within the TSE’s model generation framework, and providing documentation required for running threat data in Ground Test architecture.

The selected individual must be able to work with little or no direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team and meet critical delivery schedules.

Essential Functions:

Responsible for developing ballistic and advanced/hypersonic kinematic threat models for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools/frameworks/media.

Will apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure the accurate portrayal of expected missile or space launch vehicle behavioral characteristics during all phases of powered and un-powered flight.

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

Will research, interpret, verify parameters required to build, replicate, and propagate missile or space launch vehicle trajectories including, but not limited to, staging debris, countermeasures, and payload traits.

Will author highly technical Verification and Validation (V&V) documents.

Will work with little to no direct supervision, 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 filled at either a Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 2 or a Principal Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 3.

Basic Requirements:

Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – 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.

Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer – Level 3 - Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline preferred with 5 years of relevant experience, or 3 years’ experience with a Master of Science degree; or a PhD and 1 year of related 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 DoD issued Secret security clearance at the time of application which is required to start.

Programming background to include languages such as MATLAB, Python, LaTex, or other relevant programming experience.

Familiarity with the flight characteristics, motion, and performance of ballistic missiles

Must be self-motivated, able to work in a dynamic team environment

Ability to 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.

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 is highly desirable

Mastery of engineering modeling principles behind body motion, trajectory generation, counter measures, and debris is a plus

Possess and active DoD Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret Clearance

Experience with Verification and Validation (V&V) of vehicle kinematics simulation results.