Systems Engineer IV - MSAD Verified today

About the Role

The Level IV Modeling, Simulation, and Controls Engineer contributes to the design, development, and analysis of control systems and simulation architectures in support of propulsion and aerospace systems. This position supports program execution through high-fidelity modeling, algorithm development, and performance assessments. The engineer applies domain expertise in solid rocket motors and controllable solids technologies to model system behavior and contribute to design maturity and program success. This role requires increasing independence and technical ownership, working closely with other engineering disciplines, project teams, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity models and control algorithms for propulsion, flight control, and guidance subsystems
• Support creation of system simulation architectures to enable design iteration, verification, and validation
• Perform controllability studies of dynamic systems to assess system behavior under perturbations and control strategies
• Define control system topologies and support gain tuning methodology across various architectures
• Support program performance engineering through requirement derivation, margin analysis, and performance trade studies
• Conduct system-level performance assessments using Monte Carlo, sensitivity, and parametric studies
• Apply physics-based modeling to develop representative simulations of mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic systems
• Contribute to ballistics modeling and propulsion system performance analysis for solid rocket motors
• Develop and validate models of actuation systems for propulsion control systems and dynamic mechanisms, supporting integration into closed-loop control architectures and performance assessments
• Aid customers in developing mission CONOPS and requirements through propulsion system modeling and controls design
• Develop and implement estimation techniques to improve model accuracy and system insight
• Extend modeling capability in state-space and modern control methods
• Support simulation and analysis of flight vehicle control behavior for propulsion concept evaluation
• Contribute to modeling and simulation planning for new programs and R&D initiatives
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (GNC, software, systems, test) to ensure integration of modeling products
• Participate in customer engagements, technical reviews, and milestone events (SRR, PDR, CDR)
• Mentor junior engineers and support peer reviews of modeling and controls work products
• Author technical documents including model reports, simulation plans, interface definitions, and configuration records
• Ensure simulation models meet program requirements for verification, validation, and traceability
• Support technical trade studies and concept maturation of control and propulsion systems

Required Qualifications

• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret Clearance
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering tasks across lifecycle phases from requirements through verification and delivery
• Strong systems thinking and ability to work across functional boundaries
• Effective leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a mission-driven mindset
• Solid technical foundation in modeling, control systems, and dynamic system behavior
• Ability to interface with DoD customers and support team decision-making on complex technical problems
• Commitment to technical rigor, quality execution, and continuous improvement
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, technical risk identification, and collaborative problem solving

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in modeling, simulation, control systems, or estimation algorithm development in aerospace or defense industries
• Strong background in dynamic system modeling, control system design, and simulation infrastructure
• Experience in propulsion modeling, including solid rocket motors and controllable solids performance
• Working knowledge of physics-based modeling for mechanical, thermal, and aerodynamic subsystems
• Demonstrated experience contributing to complex program deliverables and technical reviews
• Prior experience with Department of Defense (DoD), MDA, or equivalent government programs preferred

Education

• Required: Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical engineering, or related STEM field from an accredited college/university
• Preferred: Master's degree in systems engineering or a related discipline, which may substitute for 1 year of experience

Technical Skills

• Proficient in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or equivalent modeling and control toolchains
• Strong understanding of classical and modern control techniques, including state-space control
• Competence in verification and validation of models and their use within broader system architectures
• Capable of physics-based modeling and multi-domain simulation development
• Experience in propulsion system modeling and basic ballistics performance assessments
• Ability to generate SysML diagrams of product structure, product behavior, technical logic, engineering process, and test execution
• Clear and effective communicator in both technical documentation and verbal presentations
• Strong time management and collaboration skills in a multi-program environment

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 10% for technical reviews, tests, or customer engagements
• Comfortable working in secure or classified environments
• Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced, high-accountability development setting
• U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to comply with ITAR

Compensation

California pay range: $115,000 to $170,000 USD annually. Comprehensive total compensation package includes competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, retirement savings, and wellness program.