Missile Modeling Kinematics Systems Engineer L2 TASD

Job Title: Systems Engineer (Level 2) - TASD

Responsibilities

• Develop ballistic and advanced/hypersonic kinematic threat models for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools, frameworks, and media.
• Apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure accurate portrayal of missile and space launch vehicle behavior during all phases of powered and unpowered flight.
• Model and propagate missile and space launch vehicle trajectories, including staging events, debris, countermeasures, and related phenomena.
• Research, interpret, and verify technical parameters required to build, replicate, and propagate realistic missile and space launch vehicle trajectories.
• Perform modeling and simulation of systems' kinematic characteristics within the Threat Systems Engineering model generation framework.
• Author highly technical Verification and Validation (V&V) documentation to support credibility and acceptance of kinematic threat models.
• Conduct V&V of vehicle kinematics simulation results to confirm model accuracy, consistency, and performance against defined requirements.
• Collaborate closely with systems engineers, software engineers, users, and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) ground test stakeholders to ensure that product requirements are fully understood and met.
• Support the generation, configuration, and delivery of threat data products for use in Ground Test architectures.
• Work with little to no direct supervision while functioning as an integral member of a product delivery team to meet time-critical delivery schedules.
• Leverage knowledge of flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters to enhance model fidelity.
• Utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and models as needed to support kinematic modeling and simulation activities.
• Contribute to modeling, simulation, and automation tasks related to body motion, trajectory generation, countermeasures, debris, and atmospheric effects.
• Support long-term threat modeling efforts under the Threat and Advanced Simulations Development (TASD) contract and associated initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited institution and 5 years of related experience, or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related experience.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated programming with languages such as MATLAB and Python.
• Solid understanding of the flight characteristics, motion, and performance of ballistic missiles.
• Working knowledge of modeling and simulation methods and processes for aerospace or missile systems.
• Experience with Verification and Validation (V&V) of vehicle kinematics simulation results.
• Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and models.
• Ability to work effectively with little or no direct supervision while meeting time-critical delivery schedules.
• Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, users, and MDA ground test stakeholders to ensure product requirements are met.
• Self-motivated mindset with the ability to operate in a dynamic team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong in mathematics, physics, or engineering, particularly as applied to flight dynamics and kinematics.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and automation for aerospace or missile systems.
• Previous experience modeling flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters of ballistic missiles.
• Mastery of engineering modeling principles behind body motion, trajectory generation, countermeasures, and debris.
• Experience working with kinematic modeling and related threat modeling products.
• Experience with IR signature modeling, data production, and analysis activities is beneficial.
• Ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance.
• Familiarity with threat modeling in support of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).
• Interest in supporting a new, long-term effort with significant opportunities for technical growth in advanced missile defense simulations.

Work Environment

• This position is fully on-site at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO, with no option for remote or hybrid work. You will work in a highly technical, mission-focused environment supporting the development and delivery of high-fidelity threat modeling products for advanced missile defense systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Colorado Springs,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.