2027 Graduate - Missile, Reentry, and Hypersonics Systems Performance

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks aerospace and mechanical engineers to support modeling, simulation, test and evaluation of strategic missile, reentry, and hypersonic systems.

As part of the Flight Systems Performance Group, you will develop tools for trade studies and performance assessments, participate in test operations, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to inform government partners with data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Interest in missile modeling & simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, control, propulsion, optimization, or test & evaluation.
• Experience coding in MATLAB or Python.
• Willingness to pursue varied assignments and develop skills; U.S. citizenship and eligibility for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and use modeling and simulation tools for trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual designs of missile/reentry systems and hypersonic vehicles.
• Participate in test and evaluation activities including test operations and pre/post flight evaluations.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades.
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members and government partners.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Simulink

Git/GitLab

OTIS/POST/GPOPS

3DoF/6DoF simulations

Job description

Description

If you are graduating with a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and want to gain experience with the modeling & simulation, test & evaluation, or concept development of strategic missile, reentry, and hypersonic systems we’d love to have you join our team!

The Flight Systems Performance Group (KFM) is a multidisciplinary organization that brings deep, specialized expertise in the test & evaluation, systems engineering, reliability assessment, and performance analysis of strategic flight systems. Our staff combines decades of hands‑on experience in ballistic missile and hypersonic test operations with a collaborative, mission‑driven culture. We achieve this through thorough test planning and execution, providing independent evaluation and trusted performance assessment for our sponsors. We collaborate across the Strategic Deterrence Mission Area, translating complex challenges into data‑driven insights. We maintain a high tempo of flight test operational support, including independent reviews, planning, and telemetry evaluation, ensuring technical rigor informs system performance.

We are seeking engineers to help us with the technical challenges associated with the missile and reentry systems deployed as part of our Nation's premiere strategic ballistic missile and long range strike hypersonic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to ensure the effectiveness of these systems, which typically contain nuclear warheads and are an integral part of the Nation's strategic deterrent. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging and stimulating work. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration where everyone’s perspective is valued. Our team values communication, trust, integrity, and flexibility.

As a member of our team...

• You will develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of missile and reentry systems and/or hypersonic vehicles
• You will participate in test and evaluation activities to include test operations and pre/post flight evaluations
• You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades
• You will produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members and government partners

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you …

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Have a passion for an engineering discipline such as missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion, optimization, mechanical design, and/or test and evaluation
• Have prior experience coding and using MATLAB or Python
• Have initiative, interest in skill development, and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
• Have an Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a 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 previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missile or reentry systems
• Have experience programming in Simulink and/or C/C++
• Have experience with software version control in GIT, GitLab, or equivalent
• Have experience using optimal control software packages such as OTIS, POST or GPOPS
• Have experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations

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. 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].

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

$165,000 Annually