2027 PhD Graduate – Missile GN&C Engineer - Flight Navigation, Guidance & Control Evaluation and Development Group

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Relocation benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks a PhD-level Missile GN&C Engineer to design, implement, and evaluate GN&C subsystems for national missile systems. You will join a team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians tasked with independent evaluation of performance and designs.

You will build GN&C methodologies, apply state estimation, develop navigation error models, and use MATLAB/Simulink to run 6-DOF simulations and present results to sponsors.

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field required.
• Coursework/research in flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, or control, linear state-space, or estimation theory.
• Willingness to learn and adapt; ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop GN&C methodologies for next-generation missile flight systems.
• Apply state estimation techniques to large state representations for on-board and post-flight analyses.
• Create navigation models and error analyses from math/physics perspectives.
• Work with MATLAB/Simulink to build navigation sensor models and perform trade studies.
• Develop navigation algorithms for 6-DOF simulations.
• Present analysis and results to sponsors informing weapon system performance.

Skills

State estimation

Flight dynamics

Guidance

Navigation

Control theory

Education

PhD in Engineering/Physics/Math

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C++

Job description

Do you have a passion for applied research and development in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)?

Are you interested in working on cutting edge weapon systems that are critical for the survivability and long-term deterrence strategy of the United States?

Are you up to the challenge of providing critical insight into the GN&C performance of Nuclear Ballistic Missile Systems, hypersonic missile systems, and influencing the design of next-generation weapon systems?

If you are graduating or have recently graduated with a PhD degree in engineering, math, or physics, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

The Strategic Flight Guidance, Navigation, and Control Group is seeking a passionate PhD Grad to help us with the design, implementation and evaluation of GN&C subsystems for the nation’s primary missile systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who are enthusiastic about their role as an independent evaluator for the nation’s strategic systems. We strive to foster an environment of innovation and learning to develop the critical technologies and experts of the future.

As a Missile GNC Engineer You Will:

• Develop innovative GN&C methodologies for next-generation strategic missile flight systems.
• Apply state estimation techniques to solve problems with very large state representations for applications in on-board implementations and post-flight analysis.
• Develop and understand underlying weapon system navigation related error models from a fundamental math and physics perspective.
• Work with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to generate navigation sensor models and conduct performance trade studies.
• Develop navigation algorithms for 6-DOF simulations.
• Present analysis and results to sponsors that depend on APL to independently inform weapon system performance and designs.

Qualifications

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

• Have, or soon to have, a PhD in Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related field.
• Have had coursework and/or research experience in flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, or control, linear state-space systems, physical system modeling, or estimation theory.
• Are inquisitive and are willing to learn new skills and expand your capabilities.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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 experience with MATLAB or another programming language such as C++.
• Have experience or coursework with aided inertial navigation error analysis or system development.
• Have experience or coursework with Kalman filtering.
• Hold an active Secret or 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 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.

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.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually