2027 PhD Graduate - Advanced Kinetic Weapons Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement plans

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a highly skilled Advanced Kinetic Weapons Engineer to develop and analyze simulated guided missile data using high-fidelity platforms. You will assess interceptor performance, explore guidance and control, and verify simulations against real data for accreditation.

Applicants should hold a PhD in engineering, CS, math, or physics, with strong data visualization skills and experience in HPC environments.

Qualifications

• PhD in an Engineering field, Computer Science, Math or Physics.
• Experience analyzing simulated large-scale dynamical systems such as autonomous or piloted aircraft, missiles, or related kinetic systems.
• Ability to craft clear visualizations and explain outcomes to a wider audience.
• Experience with high-performance computing clusters and scripting (SLURM or Grid Engine).
• Exposure to VV&A testing and to system engineering methods.

Responsibilities

• Generate and analyze simulated guided missile data using high-fidelity and mixed-fidelity simulations and statistical analysis tools.
• Evaluate performance of interceptor systems, examining EO/IR and RF seeker operations, guidance, and control performance.
• Verify and validate simulations against requirements and real data to obtain accreditation.
• Present key findings to sponsors such as the U.S. Navy and MDA.
• Impact future designs for defense systems and protect warfighters.

Skills

Data analysis

Visualization

HPC scripting

VV&A testing

MBSE / SysML

Scientific computing

MATLAB / SciPy / Julia

Linux

Security clearance eligibility

Education

PhD in Engineering/CS/Math/Physics

Tools

SLURM

SysML / Cameo / Rhapsody

Job description

Description

Are you a dedicated problem-solver who is curious about algorithms for guided air vehicles? Are you interested in simulating highly complex physics problems and applying advanced data science to understand the results? Would you like to learn about the newest and most innovative missile defense technologies? If so, we want you to join our team and help us evaluate and advance new technologies that protect our nation!

The Weapon Systems Engineering group is seeking a technical professional to help us address complex engineering challenges for advanced missile defense systems. We are a team of experts whose goals are to conceive and assess real-world missile systems, perform laboratory / field testing, conduct in-depth analysis of post-processed data, and present findings to sponsors and the war-fighter.

As an Advanced Kinetic Weapons Engineer:

• Your primary responsibility will be to generate and analyze simulated guided missile data through the use of high-fidelity and mixed-fidelity simulations and statistical analysis tools.
• You will evaluate the performance of various existing and future interceptor systems, examining EO/IR and RF seeker operations, guidance and control performance, fire control sensor handover processes, missile proximity fuzing, and warhead efficacy.
• Verify and validate simulations against requirements and real world data to obtain formal accreditation.
• Present key findings to various government sponsors including the U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA), among others.
• Make an impact on decisions and future designs for the systems that keep our war-fighters safe!

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for this job if you:

• Have a PhD degree, or soon to be awarded PhD, in an Engineering field, Computer Science, Math or Physics
• Have demonstrated skills in data analysis of simulated large-scale dynamical systems such as possibly autonomous or piloted aircraft, or guided missiles, or related kinetic systems
• Have demonstrated an ability to craft clear and concise visualizations of analyzed data and explain the important outcomes to a wider audience
• Have experience with high-performance computing clusters (HPC) scripting or usage such as SLURM or Univa Grid Engine
• Have exposure to software verification, validation and accreditation (VV&A) testing
• Exposure to advanced system engineering methods and MBSE tools such as SysML, Cameo, Rhapsody, etc. is a plus
• Have exposure to scientific computing, data analysis, or a background in statistics and/or stochastic processes through classwork, projects, or internships
• Are proficient in MATLAB or a similar scientific computing language such as SciPy or Julia
• Are comfortable working in a Linux OS environment
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date 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 the minimum requirements if you:

• Some experience with advanced architectures and wargaming software such as AFSIM, Command PE, etc. would be advantageous.
• Hold an active security clearance with the ability to obtain a higher level 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually