2026 PhD Graduate - Engineering/Mathematician - Simulation & Analysis

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking innovative PhD graduates to join their Multi-Domain System Concepts Group. The role involves analyzing and improving Missile Defense systems, utilizing expertise in math, engineering, and physics.

Candidates must have a relevant PhD and be proficient in MATLAB, along with the ability to obtain security clearances. The position offers a compensation range of $105,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Have knowledge of programming and analysis, technical writing, and fundamental math and physics.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance.
• Direct experience with Navy or Missile Defense Agency systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and assessment of Missile Defense systems.
• Model, analyze, and perform assessments of fielded systems.
• Develop presentations to communicate technical recommendations.

Skills

Programming and analysis

Technical writing

MATLAB proficiency

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics

Job description

Description

Are you looking for exciting opportunities to help determine how to best defend the United States, our armed forces, and our allies from all forms of air and missle threats? Do you love to study something and find ways to make it better? If you are graduating with a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees and want to work in an exciting and collaborative environment to solve challenging technical national security problems, we'd love to have you join our team.

We are seeking innovative and talented technical graduates to join our Multi‑Domain System Concepts Group to conduct modeling and analysis, identify defensive systems gaps, and develop new system concepts to revolutionize defensive capabilities for the U.S. You would apply math, engineering, and physics knowledge to implement models and simulations and analyze new concepts including sensors, battle management and communications systems, and kinetic and non‑kinetic defensive systems. You would develop expertise in analysis, algorithm development, optimization, and modeling and simulation of a wide variety of U.S. Navy, Missile Defense, and Space systems.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility will be contributing to the development and assessment of Missile Defense systems.
• You will model, analyze, and perform assessments of fielded systems and find opportunities for improvement, propose and develop innovative concepts/algorithms to improve capabilities, and conduct analysis to assess potential future systems performance. You will often conduct parametric analyses using high performance computing capabilities. You will sometimes develop prototype capabilities and work with real world systems to transition ideas to fielded capabilities.
• You will develop presentations to effectively communicate technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar program.
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of programming and analysis, technical writing and presentation, as well as fundamental math and physics knowledge.
• Have proficiency in using MATLAB to conduct analysis, develop algorithms, and/or create visualizations of data.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• Have direct experience with or domain knowledge of Navy, Missile Defense Agency, or Space Force systems.
• Have a final Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

Equal Opportunity

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, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].