Missile Modeling Kinematics Engineer - Level 2 or 3

This position supports Warfighter Simulation Services (WSS) which includes the Missile Defense Advanced Simulation (MDASim) and Missile Defense Space Tool (MDST) programs and will split time between the Northrop Grumman facility and Schriever Space Force Base (SSFB), in Colorado Springs, CO.

This role requires candidates to be onsite daily with very limited remote/hybrid work available.

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.

This position requires a detail-oriented mid-level engineer 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 architectures. 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 time critical delivery schedules.

This role requires candidates to be onsite daily with no option for remote/hybrid work.

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, and 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.

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