2027 PhD Graduate - Missile, Reentry, and Hypersonics System Performance

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a PhD-level engineer to lead technical efforts in flight systems performance. You will model, simulate, and evaluate missile and hypersonic systems, driving innovation and solving complex problems.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and technical mentorship within a government-focused team. You will perform trade studies, conduct design analyses, and contribute to test and evaluation of deployed and in-development

Qualifications

• PhD required in aerospace, mechanical, or related STEM field.
• Strong background in missile modeling, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, guidance, navigation and control, propulsion, optimization, design, or test & evaluation.
• Proven ability to write technical reports.
• Experience with presentations and public speaking.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python.
• Experience with data analysis and problem solving.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Interim Secret, with potential Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools for trade studies and design evaluations of missile and hypersonic systems.
• Participate in test and evaluation activities, including test operations and pre/post flight evaluations.
• Use computational tools to analyze data and draw conclusions from trends and evidence.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades.
• Communicate findings to team members and government partners.
• Evolve analysis methodologies and create novel solutions to problems in the field.
• Mentor staff in new techniques and problem-solving methods.

Skills

data analysis

public speaking

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

Simscape

C/C++

Git / GitLab

OTIS

POST

GPOPS

Job description

Description

If you are graduating with a doctorate degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or a related STEM field, we have an opportunity for you!

If you are graduating with a doctorate degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or a related STEM field, we have an opportunity for you!

With a doctoral degree, you are a cultivated leader in your chosen field and we need your technical leadership. As a member of the Flight Systems Performance Group, you will gain experience in system-level test and evaluation of various flight systems and also get involved in the development of the next generation strategic missile systems and other hypersonic systems. As a member of our group, you will serve as a technical thought leader and advance the capabilities of the group, leveraging your expertise to drive innovation and solve problems using novel approaches.

We are seeking an engineer to help us with the technical challenges associated with the deployed and in-development flight systems that are 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. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers who work to provide impactful technical solutions for current and future strategic missile and payload systems. 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 technical perspective is valued. Our team values communication, collaboration, 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 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 use computational tools to analyze data and draw conclusions based on data trends and evidence
• You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades
• You will communicate findings to team members and government partners
• You will evolve current analysis methodologies and create novel solutions to problems in our field
• You will mentor staff in new techniques and methods in problem solving

Qualifications

• Have a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM 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 demonstrated experience with technical report writing
• Have prior experience with presentations and public speaking
• Have prior experience coding and using MATLAB or Python
• Have previous experience with data analysis
• Have initiative, interest in skill development, and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
• 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 our minimum requirements if you…

• Have previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missile or reentry systems
• Have experience programming in Simulink, Simscape and/or C/C++
• Have experience with AI techniques with application to data analysis
• Have previous experience with intermediate and higher-level computation math methods
• Have previous experience with optimal control
• Have previous experience using data analysis to influence the direction of a project
• Have previous experience driving innovation
• Have previous experience providing technical leadership to a group or project
• 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

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.

Why Work at APL?

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