IR Plume Mod/Sim Systems Engineer

RKF Engineering Solutions, LLC (DBA Auria); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 106,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Flex Time

11 Paid Holidays

401(k) Match

Tuition & Certifications support

Job summary

Auria is seeking a Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer 1 to support the MSV-TASD program, based on-site at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO. The role emphasizes high-fidelity data engineering, validation, and rigorous debugging of large-scale datasets within a collaborative team.

The candidate will work with Python, MATLAB, and Linux environments, applying aerothermodynamics and data analysis basics to drive accurate simulations and insightful results for national security

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in STEM with 2+ years of technical experience, or a Master’s with 0–2 years of experience.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance to start.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB or other scripting languages.
• Foundational understanding of aerothermodynamics, radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and molecular spectroscopy.
• Foundational data analysis concepts.
• Basic understanding of flight dynamics and aerodynamics.

Responsibilities

• Data engineering and validation for large-scale datasets.
• Validate simulated data against measured test or flight data.
• Perform root-cause analysis and diagnose simulation issues.
• Read and fix legacy scripts or in-house tools.
• Parse logs and identify errors in complex outputs.
• Collaborate with team to deliver high-fidelity simulations.

Skills

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication

Troubleshooting

Log parsing

Education

Bachelor of Science in STEM

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Linux

Job description

Auria is looking to hire a Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer 1 (IR Plume Mod/Sim Systems Engineer) to support the Modeling and Simulation Vistas - Threat and Advanced Simulation Development (MSV-TASD) program. This position will be located on-site at Schriever Space Force Base, in Colorado Springs, CO.

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.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO:

• Data Engineering and Validation
• Handling large-scale, multi-dimensional array datasets
• Validating simulated data against measured test or flight data
• Analytical Rigor
• A natural tendency toward thoroughness and attention to detail
• Meticulous verification and validation of large, technical datasets
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
• Systematic Root-Cause Analysis: Ability to logically isolate variables and trace errors to determine if a simulation failure is caused by bad input data, software bugs, or system configuration issues.
• Legacy & Custom Code Debugging: Skilled at reading, parsing, and fixing errors in undocumented, in-house tools or legacy scripts (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) without relying on external support or documentation.
• Log Parsing & Error Identification: Proficient at reading complex log files, console outputs, and stack traces to quickly pinpoint why a simulation run or data conversion tool crashed.
• Data Sanity and \"Silent Error\" Detection: Able to identify and fix \"silent failures\" - where a tool runs to completion but produces physically or mathematically incorrect data.
• Team Collaboration
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to create and work within schedules and timelines
• Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.

WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline preferred with 2 years of technical experience, or 0-2 years' experience with a Masters' Degree.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to support business needs.
• Applicants must have a current active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application which is required to start.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB or other scripting languages
• Foundational understanding of aerothermodynamics, radiative transfer, fluid dynamics, and molecular spectroscopy
• Foundational understanding of data analysis concepts.
• Basic conceptual understanding of flight dynamics and aerodynamics
• Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world.

WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related STEM field
• Strong math, physics or engineering background
• Modeling, Simulation, and automation experience
• Experience with atmospheric modeling codes (e.g. MODTRAN)
• Experience with JANNAF radiative signature codes
• Experience working in Linux based distributed computational environments

PAY TRANSPARENCY:

The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications - skills, education & experience - and the position level. $106,000 - $126,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

November 15, 2026

THE AURIA TEAM:

Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers' missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R&D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision.

Why You'll Love Working at Auria

We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office.

Time for What Matters

• Generous & Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you're with us.
• True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5.
• 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose.

Invested in Your Future

• 401(k) Match-Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. Both your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period.
• Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it.

Health & Peace of Mind

• Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future.
• Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
• Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that's just the beginning!

The position location and work schedule are based on current business needs. Auria reserves the right to modify the work location or work arrangement, including transitioning between remote, hybrid, or on-site work, as business needs, customer requirements, or operational circumstances change. Employment with Auria is at will, meaning that either the employee or Auria may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law.

Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.