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

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 102,500 - 227,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Education assistance program

Robust retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading research institution in Laurel, MD, seeks a PhD Graduate for a Systems Engineer/Analyst role focusing on multi-mission planning development. Candidates should have a strong foundation in Systems Engineering or related fields and be passionate about supporting U.S. warfighters with advanced capabilities. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a supportive team environment aimed at tackling significant defense challenges.

Qualifications

• Possess a PhD in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Desire to work with military systems through necessary interactions.
• Able to obtain necessary security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering activities for multi-service planning capabilities.
• Use modeling and simulation tools for military systems.
• Identify capabilities and limitations of military systems.

Skills

Organizational abilities

Matlab

Python

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Education

PhD in Systems Engineering or related discipline

Tools

C/C++

Typescript

Javascript

Job description

Job Title: 2026 PhD Graduate - Systems Engineer/Analyst - Multi-Mission Planning Development at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Pay Range

Base pay range: $102,500.00/yr - $227,500.00/yr

Job Overview

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 helping 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 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, we’d love to have you join our team!

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct critical engineering activities that drive the 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 ascertain their level of fidelity.
• 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 facing real-world operational challenges.
• Work in a highly motivated team environment.
• Learn about enemy capabilities and limitations as fundamentally provided by the pertinent intelligence community.
• Determine the capabilities and limitations of 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 a related discipline.
• Demonstrate strong organizational abilities in pursuit of your PhD.
• Desire to be part of a team with a wide-ranging assembly of scientists and engineers to tackle new engineering challenges.
• Have 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.
• Willing to meet and interact with military warfighters to discover what they need at their fingertips when deployed worldwide.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance; eligible U.S. citizenship required.

Beyond Minimum Requirements

• 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.
• Experience as a summer intern and/or full-time employee applying academic coursework to successfully fulfill that internship/employment.
• Working knowledge of some U.S. military systems for the 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.

Seniority Level

• Internship

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Defense and Space Manufacturing

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].

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.