Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer (Infrared Signatures – IRHB)

Caribou Thunder; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Match

Flexible PTO

Education Reimbursement

Military Leave

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

Caribou Thunder in Colorado Springs is seeking a Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer (Infrared Signatures – IRHB) to model heat signatures of missile systems and develop high-fidelity IR simulations. The role requires a STEM degree and DoD Secret clearance, with 2+ years of experience or a Master’s with 0–2 years.

You will collaborate with engineers and analysts to verify and validate data, support ITM delivery, and contribute to rapid data production and automation for MDA test events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 2+ years or Master’s with 0–2 years of experience.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required to start.
• Experience with modeling and simulation and technical analysis of datasets.
• Familiarity with missile flight characteristics, motion, and performance.
• Understanding of infrared (IR) signature concepts and hard body heating physics.
• Experience with verification and validation (V&V) of modeling/simulation data.
• Experience with scripting or automation (Python, Bash, MATLAB, or similar).
• Strong understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce infrared (IR) hard body signature models representing missile systems for use in modeling & simulation environments.
• Capture and document requirements while performing verification & validation to ensure accuracy and fidelity of IR signature data.
• Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to enhance simulation models and support Integrated Threat Product (ITP) delivery.
• Support data production, tool development, and automation efforts while meeting tight timelines for Missile Defense Agency test events.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Bash

Modeling & Simulation

IR Signature Concepts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree

Tools

OSC

Job description

Back Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer (Infrared Signatures – IRHB) Engineering Colorado Springs , Colorado Direct Hire Oct 29, 2026

Modeling & Simulation Systems Engineer (Infrared Signatures – IRHB)

2+ Years | $100,000 - $117,000 | Colorado Springs, CO (Schriever SFB – Onsite) | Secret Clearance Required

Model the heat signatures that reveal the threat—build high-fidelity infrared simulations that power missile defense and mission-critical decision making.

A Day inthe Life- Whatyou’lldo

• Develop and produce infrared (IR) hard body signature modelsrepresentingmissile systems for use in modeling & simulation environments

• Capture and document requirements while performing verification & validation (V&V) to ensure accuracy and fidelity of IR signature data

• Collaborate with engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to enhance simulation models and support Integrated Threat Product (ITP) delivery

• Support data production, tool development, and automation efforts while meeting tight timelines for Missile Defense Agency (MDA) test events

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) with 2+ years of experience, orMaster’sdegree with 0–2 years of experience

• Active DoD Secret clearancerequiredto start

• Experience with modeling and simulation and technical analysis of datasets

• Familiarity with missile flight characteristics, motion, and performance

• Understanding of infrared (IR) signature concepts and hard body heating physics

• Experience with verification and validation (V&V) of modeling and simulation data

• Experience with scripting or automation (Python, Bash, MATLAB, or similar)

• Strong understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes

• Ability to work independently and within collaborative team environments

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Willingness to travel up to 10%

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in mathematics, physics, or engineering

• Experience analyzing missile flight characteristics, atmospheric dynamics, and performance parameters

• Background in missile systems engineering and performance modeling

• Knowledge of trajectory analysis, countermeasures, debris modeling, and signature modeling

• Experience specifically in IR signature modeling

• Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC)

• Experience working in Agile environments (Scrum, Kanban)

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’vedelivered 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.

WhyCaribouThunder?

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,maintainingcompliance, 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 theheartof 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.