2026 PhD Graduate - Systems Engineer/Analyst - Multi-Mission Planning Development

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 (APL) seeks a PhD-level engineer to lead critical activities for multi-mission and multi-service planning tool development. You will work within a dynamic team to model, simulate, and validate capabilities, guiding warfighter support across services and planning levels.

You will learn and apply advanced modeling tools, analyze system performance, and contribute to strategic plans while engaging with military stakeholders to ensure usable,

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering/computer science/physics/mathematics or related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong organizational abilities in pursuing your PhD.
• Desire to be part of a team with scientists and engineers.
• Extensive experience in Matlab, Python, or equivalent for designing and analyzing systems.
• Academic experience leading team projects.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Willing to engage with military warfighters to understand needs.
• Able to obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct critical engineering activities that drive development of multi-mission and multi-service planning capabilities.
• Learn about critical modeling and simulation tools that predict performance of U.S. military systems and assess fidelity.
• Apply tools to lead detailed engineering studies, define capabilities/limitations, and inform warfighters in the field.
• Work in a highly motivated team environment.
• Learn enemy capabilities and limitations as provided by intelligence community.
• Determine capabilities of U.S. military systems so planning tools optimize their use.

Skills

PhD in relevant field

Matlab/Python experience

Team project leadership

Excellent written and oral comm.

Interfacing with warfighters

Security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline

Tools

C/C++

Typescript/JavaScript

Modeling and simulation tools

Job description

About A5C

Are you passionate about applying your PhD to tackle the difficult challenges facing our warfighters such as Achieving Robust Homeland Defense, Accelerating Warfighting Capabilities in INDOPACOM, Operationalizing Space Forces and Operationalizing Artificial Intelligence?

Are you interested in applying your PhD to help our warfighters create dominant decisive advantages by revolutionizing the art of designing defenses in direct support of overcoming those challenges?

Would you like to make critical contributions to the development, prototyping and transition of military mission planning tools and solutions to U.S. warfighters in the Armed Services?

In A5C, we develop and deliver highly capable mission planning tools into the hands of the warfighter so they can configure/optimize fielded military systems for maximum performance across multiple simultaneous air and missile defense missions, multiple services, and multiple command echelon planning levels.

If you are graduating with a PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics AND want to work in an excellent team-oriented environment, then we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking an enthusiastic team player willing to take on challenging assignments and willing to learn about the complexity of placing and configuring military systems.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility will be to lead and conduct critical engineering activities that will drive the development of multi-mission and multi-service planning capabilities.
• You will learn about critical modeling and simulation tools that predict performance of U.S. military systems and you will ascertain their level of fidelity.
• You will apply those tools to lead and conduct detailed engineering studies that ascertain capabilities/limitations of current systems, support future designs, lay out a strategic plan to achieve true multi-mission multi-service planning capabilities, and provide timely feedback to warfighters in the field facing real world operational challenges.
• You will work in a highly motivated team environment.
• You will learn about enemy capabilities and limitations as fundamentally provided by the pertinent intelligence community.
• You will learn and determine the capabilities and limitations of our U.S. military systems so that mission planning tools can optimize their use.

Qualifications

• Possess a PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong organizational abilities in the pursuit of your PhD.
• Desire to be part of team with a wide-ranging assembly of scientists and engineers to tackle new engineering challenges.
• Extensive experience in the use of Matlab, Python, or equivalent for designing and analyzing systems.
• Have academic experience working on and leading team projects.
• Demonstrate excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills when interfacing with other students and professors.
• Are willing to meet and interact with military warfighters to discover what those warfighters actually want at their fingertips when deployed in the field all over the globe.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate that your dissertation has direct applicability to the design and evolution of military mission planning systems.
• Extensive experience developing in C/C++ or Typescript/Javascript.
• Have experience as a summer intern and/or full time employee in which your academic coursework was applied to successfully fulfill that internship/employment.
• Possess a working knowledge of some U.S. military systems for the U. S. Navy, Army, Air Force, or Space Force.
• Already possess at least a Final Secret security clearance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. 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.

At APL, we celebrate our 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 https://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, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Salary

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually