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Missile Modeling IR Plume Engineer

Confidential Client•Aerospace & Defense
Entry LevelFull-timeOn-Site$100,000 - $150,000
Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado
19 Hours Ago

The Missile Modeling IR Plume Engineer develops high-fidelity threat missile signature data packages to support missile defense modeling and simulation efforts. This role involves detailed analysis and simulation of infrared missile signatures, requiring strong technical skills in modeling, verification, and validation, and close collaboration with engineering teams to meet critical delivery schedules. The position is onsite at Schriever Space Force Base and demands a security clearance and the ability to work independently and within a team.

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Description

About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.


What You’ll Do

This position supports high-fidelity threat modeling and simulation for missile systems with a focus on infrared (IR) plume/signature modeling. You will produce data packages, run simulations, analyze results, and work with engineering teams to deliver verified modeling products that support national defense programs.

  • Gain experience with threat-model phenomenology focused on IR signatures
  • Research and implement IR signature prediction and simulation approaches
  • Produce and validate missile signature data for Ground Test Modeling and Simulation efforts
  • Coordinate with software and TMC engineering teams to capture software requirements for threat modeling tools
  • Ensure quality, documentation, and timely delivery of threat missile data packages

Minimum Qualifications

These are the baseline requirements for consideration. Candidates meeting Level 2 or Level 3 education/experience profiles may be considered depending on the role level open.

  • Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years related experience, or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years experience
  • Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years related experience, or Master’s + 3 years, or Doctorate with 0 years experience
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance required
  • Experience with technical analysis of modeling & simulation data sets
  • Experience with verification & validation (V&V) of modeling/simulation data
  • Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work independently and in teams
  • Experience with scripting/automation (Python, Bash, MATLAB) for data processing
  • Strong attention to detail and time-management skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Background in infrared signature modeling and blackbody IR emissions
  • Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC) and JANNAF plume codes (SOCRATES-P, PERCORP, VIPER, etc.)
  • Experience analyzing flight characteristics, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance
  • Project planning, scheduling, and Agile software development experience (Scrum, Kanban)
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) theory and tools
  • Active or interim DoD Secret with ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI

Logistics & Clearance

  • This role is onsite daily at Schriever Space Force Base — no remote or hybrid option.
  • Applicants must already possess an active DoD Secret clearance.
  • U.S. employment authorization required as this position supports controlled defense work.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary range: $100,000 - $150,000 per year (range provided by the confidential client)
  • Benefit-eligible programs typically include health, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, ESOP participation, PTO, parental and bereavement leave, tuition assistance, mentorship, and professional development funding.

Why This Role

This is an excellent role for engineers who want hands-on modeling and simulation experience supporting missile threat modeling and national defense. You’ll join a delivery-focused team producing validated simulation data used across defense test and mission systems.


Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.

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