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JOB DETAILS

Missile Modeling IR Plume Engineer

CompanyQualis LLC
LocationColorado Springs
Work ModeOn Site
PostedNovember 5, 2026
About The Company
Qualis LLC is a Small Business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, with a 32-year history as a trusted Air Force, Space Force, Army, Joint DoD, Missile Defense Agency, NASA, and Navy partner. Qualis employees provide award-winning support to complex technical and engineering efforts, helping ensure critical technologies of our most critical programs, products, and systems are acquired, tested, and fully operational when fielded. Our qualifications are deeply rooted in the entire acquisition life cycle for highly complex ACAT I – III, Urgent Operational Needs, and Joint Urgent Operational Needs systems and components in support of the Warfighter, Homeland Defense, and Human Spaceflight. This includes a variety of land, sea, air and space platforms to include training systems for those platforms. Qualis is in key locations nationwide both CONUS and OCONUS meeting our customers requirements.
About the Role

Qualis LLc is seeking a Missile Modeling IR Plume Engineer responsible for developing high fidelity threat missile signature data packages for use in a variety of modeling and simulation tools and media. Must have a good understanding of modeling and simulation methods and processes. Must be able to apply standard engineering and mathematical algorithms to ensure the accurate portrayal of expected phenomenology characteristics during the flight of a missile. The selected individual must be able to work with little or no direct supervision, work as an integral member of a product delivery team and meet time critical delivery schedules.

This role requires employees to be onsite daily with no option for remote/hybrid work.

Essential Functions:

  • Gain experience with threat model phenomenology with a focus on Infrared (IR) signatures
  • Research into IR signature predictions and simulation models
  • Actively work with the team to ensure completion of data production needs in support of MDA Ground Test Modeling and Simulation
  • Work in close coordination with TMC engineers for software requirements of threat modeling tools
  • Understand stakeholder requirements and ensure the quality production of threat missile data.

Required Qualifications:

  • Level 2:
    • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of experience.
    • Experience with technical analysis of modeling and simulation data sets
    • Experience with Verification and Validation of modeling and simulation data
    • Candidate must be results-focused, work well within a dynamic environment, be self-motivated, able to work in a team environment, and be able to produce reliable products and documentation within established deadlines
  • Level 3:
    • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or a Doctorate in a STEM discipline with 0 years of experience.
    • Several years of experience with technical analysis of modeling and simulation data sets
    • Several years of experience with Verification and Validation of modeling and simulation data
    • Candidate must be results-focused, work well within a dynamic environment, be self-motivated, able to work in a team environment, and be able to produce reliable products and documentation within established deadlines
  • Must already possess an active DoD Secret clearance.
  • Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Experience with scripting/automation languages such as Python, Bash, or MATLAB
  • Excellent time management and great attention to details are necessary
  • Knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong math, physics or engineering background is preferred
  • Previous experience with analyzing flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and missile performance parameters of ballistic missiles is highly desirable
  • Background in infrared signature modeling
  • Technical Planning, project management and project scheduling experience
  • Experience with Blackbody IR Emissions
  • Familiarity with Optical Signatures Code (OSC)
  • Experience with Joint Army Navy NASA Air Force (JANNAF) plume codes for predictive signatures (SOCRATES-P, PERCORP, VIPER, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of the flight characteristics, motion, atmospheric dynamics, and performance of missiles
  • Strong background in missile system engineering performance is highly desirable
  • Experience in Agile software development methodologies including Scrum and Kanban
  • Familiarity and/or experience with Model-based Systems Engineering theory and tools
  • Active or Interim DoD Secret Clearance with ability to obtain a Top Secret with access to SCI


Qualis LLC has a comprehensive benefits package based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements that includes:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) match
  • Paid time off and Holidays
  • Educational, professional development and certification reimbursement.
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and Life Insurance

Qualis LLC is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and talented workforce who can contribute to the mission and vision of the Company. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we promote a positive work environment, teamwork, professional growth, innovation, community involvement, flexible scheduling and a family-friendly work environment.

Key Skills
Modeling and simulationInfrared signature modelingThreat missile signature dataEngineering algorithmsMathematical algorithmsVerification and validationTechnical analysisPythonBashMATLABMissile performance analysisAtmospheric dynamicsJANNAF plume codesOptical Signatures CodeAgile software developmentModel-based systems engineering
Categories
EngineeringTechnologyScience & ResearchSecurity & SafetyGovernment & Public Sector
Benefits
Health insuranceDental insuranceVision insurance401(k) matchPaid time offHolidaysEducational reimbursementProfessional development reimbursementCertification reimbursementTax-saving optionsDisability insuranceLife insurance
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
Develop high-fidelity threat missile signature data packages for modeling and simulation tools. Collaborate with product delivery teams to ensure quality production of threat data in support of MDA Ground Test requirements.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
312
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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