2027 Graduate - Weapon Control Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Education assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Weapon Control Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team evaluating performance and reliability of submarine-launched weapon systems. You will analyze data from deployed weapon controls, support system updates, and participate in test programs at government facilities and Navy platforms.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in Engineering and are eligible for Interim Secret clearance, with a path to Top Secret.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, etc.).
• Interest in analyzing and evaluating data from complex weapon control systems.
• Interest in influencing the design and architecture of future weapon control systems.
• Demonstrated record of success working in a teaming environment while achieving timely high-quality results.
• Very strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by start date; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise and knowledge of existing U.S. Navy weapon control systems to become a weapon control SME.
• Perform deep-dive analysis on data from deployed weapon systems to characterize performance limits and identify anomalous behaviors.
• Provide independent technical reviews of proposed system updates, interfacing with prime contractors and government sponsors.
• Participate in test and evaluation efforts from lab tests to full-scale system tests on government facilities or Navy platforms.
• Document and present analysis results and participate in meetings with government sponsors and external organizations.
• Work with internal and external partners to promote reliability, performance stability, and mission assurance in design decisions.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Launching a missile from a submerged U.S. Navy submarine represents one of the most extraordinary engineering accomplishments of the modern era. Our group specializes in the complex systems that make this feat possible!

We are seeking a talented Engineer to join a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of experts evaluating the performance and reliability of complex weapon systems hosted onboard the U.S. Navy’s class of operational nuclear-powered submarines (SSBN, SSGN, SSN).

Are you interested in the development, testing, and evaluation of advanced missile guidance and weapon control systems? Do you want to help define the next generation of submarine-launched capabilities while making a significant, immediate impact on the mission of the U.S. Navy?

If this sounds like you, and you are graduating with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, etc.), we’d love to have you join our highly collaborative and mission-driven team!

Our team analyzes operational data from deployed weapon control systems for live and simulated missile launches to engineer superior system reliability, fault tolerance, and cybersecurity capabilities. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary group of highly skilled engineers, weapon system Subject Matters Experts (SMEs), and former weapon system operators. We partner with industry contractors and government laboratories to ensure that existing and next-generation deterrent systems are robust and reliable for our warfighters.

As a Weapon Control Engineer, you will:

• Develop expertise and detailed knowledge of existing U.S. Navy weapon control systems to eventually become a weapon control SME.
• Perform deep-dive analysis on data from deployed weapon systems to analyze pre-launch missile initialization parameters, launch timing intervals, and guidance system behavior in order to characterize performance limits and identify anomalous behaviors.
• Provide independent technical reviews of proposed system updates of both the hardware and software, interfacing directly with the prime contractors and government sponsors to ensure mission assurance.
• Participate in a wide variety of test and evaluation efforts, ranging from laboratory tests to full-scale system tests conducted at government facilities or onboard Navy platforms.
• Formally document and present analysis results and participate in meetings with government sponsors and other external organizations.
• Work with internal and external partners to promote a culture where system reliability, performance stability, and mission assurance are the core pillars of every design decision.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, etc.).
• Are interested in analyzing and evaluating data from complex weapon control systems.
• Are interested in influencing the design and architecture of future weapon control systems.
• Have a demonstrated record of success working in a teaming environment while achieving timely high-quality results.
• Have very strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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 a Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, etc.).
• Have experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for a complex system.
• Are knowledgeable in software development or systems engineering processes.
• Have internship or project experience working on a complex engineering system or defense technology.
• Have Navy-related experience, particularly with Naval weapon systems or with OHIO, VIRGINIA, or COLUMBIA-class submarines.
• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security 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. 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