Systems Engineer / Mission Support Threat Engineer (Level 1 or 2

Systems Engineer / Mission Support Threat Engineer (Level 1 / Level 2)
Entry-Mid Level | Active Secret Clearance Required | Level 1: $80,000 - $110,000 Level 2: $115,000 - $130,000 | Travel: Yes (10%) | Onsite: Colorado Springs, CO

Support mission-critical missile defense modeling-developing, validating, and delivering high-fidelity threat representations across kinematic, RF, and infrared (IR) domains for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).
A Day in the Life - What you'll do

• Capture, define, and document system requirements for missile threat models across kinematic, RF, and IR signature domains.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, intelligence analysts, and engineering teams to ensure accurate and relevant threat model development.
• Support development and validation of modeling and simulation (M&S) products used in missile defense systems.
• Perform verification and validation (V&V) of threat models to ensure accuracy, reliability, and mission readiness.
• Research and analyze radar cross section (RCS) and infrared (IR) signature modeling requirements.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of modeling tools, automation, and workflows.
• Work closely with missile modeling and production engineering teams to ensure requirements are implemented effectively.
• Support MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation events through timely delivery of validated models.
• Apply systems engineering principles across the full lifecycle, including requirements, design, integration, and validation.
• Participate in schedule-driven development efforts supporting mission-critical deliverables.
• Maintain strong collaboration within cross-functional teams in dynamic, high-impact environments.
• Document technical approaches, requirements, and validation results with clarity and precision.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited institution
• Level 1: 2 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 0-2 years of experience
• Level 2: 5 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree with 3 years of experience, or PhD with 1 year of experience
• Active DoD Secret security clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), preferably with tools such as CAMEO
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, including the Systems Engineering "V" lifecycle
• Experience with requirements development, decomposition, and traceability
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and automation techniques
• Knowledge of missile flight characteristics, motion, and performance
• Familiarity with RCS and IR signature modeling principles
• Understanding of hard body heating and associated signature representation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
• Strong communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to travel up to 10% as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience with CAMEO or similar MBSE tools
• Strong systems engineering background supporting complex defense programs
• Experience with missile system modeling, atmospheric dynamics, and performance analysis
• Deep understanding of trajectory analysis, body motion, countermeasures, debris, and signature modeling
• Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC)
• Strong knowledge of missile flight characteristics and signature phenomenology
• Experience with Agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
• Practical experience applying MBSE theory and tools
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance

Who is Caribou Thunder?

Caribou Thunder is a HUBZone-certified small business providing advanced technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of War and its mission partners.

35+ states and 20+ countries. We've delivered trusted solutions for over two decades - strengthening national readiness across missions on land, undersea, in the air, and throughout LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space.
Why Caribou Thunder? TEAM THUNDER - Mission Focused. Delivery Proven. Ready to Serve.

Employee Advocacy
Mission Proven
Global Reach
Skilled Teams
Modern Tools
Empowering Culture

Our engineers and innovators ensure capability from sea floor to space frontier - delivering on time, maintaining compliance, and performing with precision in high-consequence environments.

We specialize in Engineering Services, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Modeling & Simulation, Digital Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence - disciplines powering the nation's most complex technical missions.
Employee Advocacy + Benefits

Our people are the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being - knowing their success drives ours.

Benefits include:

Premium Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
401(k) with 6% Company Match
Flexible PTO & Work Schedule
Education & Certification Reimbursement
Support for Military Leave
Work-Life Balance & Traditional Family Values

Your future, your flexibility, your well-being - we invest in you. Apply and let's connect.