Systems Engineer Level V

12+ Years | $125,000 - $145,000 | Huntsville, AL | Active Secret Clearance Required Develop the advanced algorithms behind U.S. missile defense-engineering the mathematical and physics-based solutions that power Ground Fire Control systems protecting the nation from ballistic missile threats. A Day in the Life - What you'll do

• Develop, analyze, and improve complex algorithms supporting the Ground Weapons System (GWS) and Ground Fire Control (GFC) mission software.
• Perform mathematics and physics-based modeling and performance analysis supporting Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) operations.
• Prototype and evaluate advanced algorithms using engineering tools such as MATLAB and Python.
• Assess algorithm performance within a large-scale operational codebase (~1.5 million lines) supporting missile defense threat evaluation.
• Collaborate with Agile Scrum teams to integrate new capabilities and optimize system performance.
• Conduct data analysis and performance analysis to evaluate algorithm effectiveness within mission scenarios.
• Integrate developed solutions into larger mission systems supporting real-time missile defense operations.
• Participate in technical discussions, system reviews, and engineering assessments supporting mission capability development.
• Travel up to 10% to support mission coordination, collaboration, and program activities.

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university. Experience Requirements

• 12 years of related engineering or systems engineering experience with a Bachelor's degree

• 10 years of related experience with a Master's degree

• 8 years of related experience with a PhD Technical Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following: data analysis, performance analysis, or mathematics/physics-based algorithm development

• Experience developing, prototyping, and evaluating complex algorithms

• Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools used to prototype advanced algorithms

• Strong technical problem-solving skills and analytical thinking

• Proven ability to integrate algorithm solutions into larger operational systems

• Extensive experience in at least one of the following mission domains:

• Ballistic Missile Defense

• Midcourse missile defense

• Battle management

• Threat processing

• Weapon target assignment

• Target object map population

• Strong communication skills for presenting technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills

• Ability to perform complex tasks independently with minimal direction

• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking abilities

• Ability to support an in-person / closed-area development environment

• Ability to travel up to 10% to support mission needs

• Active in-scope DoD Secret security clearance required at time of application Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting the Missile Defense Agency Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program

• Advanced degree in Mathematics or Physics

• Understanding of algorithm domains including track processing, track reporting, discrimination, sensor resource management, resource utilization optimization, or battlespace analysis

• Experience with optimization algorithms

• Experience with planning and scheduling algorithms

• Experience with sensor modeling, communications modeling, or missile modeling

• Experience supporting Battle Management or Fire Control systems

• Experience with Unix/Linux operating systems

• Experience with Linux scripting and operational environments

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. Apply and let's connect.

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've delivered 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. Why Caribou Thunder? 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, maintaining compliance, 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 the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being - knowing their success drives ours.