Missile Modeling IR Plume Engineer (Level 1)

Missile Modeling IR Plume Engineer (Level 1)
Entry-Mid Level | Active Secret Clearance Required | $80,000 - $110,000 | Travel: As Required | Onsite: Colorado Springs, CO

Support mission-critical missile defense modeling-developing high-fidelity infrared (IR) signature and plume models that enable advanced threat simulations for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).
A Day in the Life - What you'll do

• Develop high-fidelity threat missile signature data packages for use across Modeling & Simulation (M&S) environments.
• Analyze and model infrared (IR) plume signatures and phenomenology associated with missile flight.
• Conduct research and apply engineering and mathematical models to predict IR signature behavior.
• Support data production and analysis activities for MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation efforts.
• Collaborate with Threat Systems Engineering (TSE) teams to define and implement software requirements for modeling tools.
• Perform verification and validation (V&V) of M&S data sets to ensure accuracy and fidelity.
• Apply physics-based modeling techniques to simulate missile flight characteristics, atmospheric dynamics, and performance.
• Work within a product delivery team to meet time-critical schedules and mission objectives.
• Document methodologies, analysis results, and technical findings with high attention to detail.
• Support maintenance and sustainment of modeling tools and software baselines.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure high-quality data product delivery.
• Operate in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 2 years of experience, or Master's degree with 0 years of experience
• Active DoD Secret security clearance at time of application
• Experience with technical analysis of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) data sets
• Experience with verification and validation (V&V) processes for M&S data
• Knowledge of missile flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance
• Experience with scripting or automation tools such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and mathematical modeling skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management and attention to detail
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic or professional background in physics, mathematics, or engineering disciplines
• Experience analyzing ballistic missile flight characteristics and performance parameters
• Background in infrared (IR) signature modeling and analysis
• Experience with blackbody radiation and IR emissions modeling
• Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC)
• Experience with JANNAF plume modeling tools (SOCRATES-P, PERCORP, VIPER, or similar)
• Experience with missile system engineering and performance analysis
• Technical planning, project scheduling, or project management experience
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
• Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles and tools
• Active or interim clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret/SCI

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.