2026 Graduate - Engineer/Analyst - System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading research laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, seeks Weapon System Analysts and Software Engineers. Ideal candidates possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and some experience in software development or data analysis. This role involves evaluating strategic deterrents and applying AI techniques to real-world problems. The position offers an annual salary ranging from $85,000 to $155,000, along with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Familiar with software development and computational challenges.
• Able to obtain security clearance eligibility including U.S. citizenship.
• Experience with statistical analysis or tactical missile systems.

Responsibilities

• Learn about inertial navigation systems and their associated errors.
• Evaluate planning and design of future strategic weapon systems.
• Apply AI methodologies to data-centric analyses.

Skills

Software development

Data analysis

Inquisitive learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

C++

SQL

Model-based engineering applications

Job description

Overview

Are you interested in applying your STEM background to strategic deterrence and defense? Are you interested in defining methodologies that will be used for mission planning and test and evaluation of current and future weapon systems? Do you like contributing to complex efforts that require team-based approaches? If you are graduating with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in math, physics, engineering, or computer science, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group is seeking Weapon System Analysts and Software Engineers to assess the planning and evaluation of the nation’s primary strategic deterrents. You will join a team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who are passionate about their role as independent evaluators for the nation’s strategic systems.

We strive to foster an environment of innovation and learning to develop the critical technologies and experts of the future.

As a member of our team, you will work on one or more of the following...

Responsibilities

• Learn about the principals of inertial navigation systems, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems
• Learn about the dynamics of missile systems, reentry systems, and their associated fuzing mechanisms, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems
• Evaluate system-level accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the design and engineering of future systems to meet mission needs
• Apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data fusion methodologies to complex, real-world problems and build robust computational frameworks to support advanced data-centric analyses
• Advance the state of the art in mission planning by developing software and implementing vehicle dynamics models for new and prototype weapon systems
• Develop operational concepts for new weapon systems that leverage advances in estimation and optimization
• Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team to analyze the nuclear survivability of strategic weapon systems and structures

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
• Are familiar with software development and implementation
• Are familiar with data analysis and associated computational challenges
• Are inquisitive and are willing to learn new skills and expand your capabilities
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have experience in any of the following...

• A Master’s degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
• Statistical analysis, parameter estimation and inverse problems, Kalman filtering, or maximum likelihood estimation using Fisher information
• Linear systems and optimization methods
• Prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems
• Developing software in C++ or other object-oriented programming languages
• SQL, Database design and administration
• Model-based engineering applications such as DOORs, Cameo, and SysML
• Have knowledge of High Energy Particle Physics, Thermal Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Weapon Effects, or Plasma Physics
• Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. We celebrate differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate
$155,000 Annually