2027 PhD Graduate – Strategic Deterrent Nuclear Survivability Analyst - System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites a physicist/engineer to join the System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group in the Force Projection Sector as a Strategic Deterrent Nuclear Survivability Analyst. You will tackle multi‑disciplinary problems, perform modeling of nuclear environments, and contribute to survivability studies for U.S.

strategic systems. The role requires a PhD in physics, nuclear or electrical engineering, familiarity with radiation interactions, MATLAB,

Qualifications

• Possess a PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, or electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• Are familiar with radiation environments and the principles of radiation interactions with matter.
• Are familiar with MATLAB and/or other coding platforms.
• Have strong attention to detail.
• Have knowledge of data analysis, computational physics, or computational engineering.
• Eligibility for Interim Secret clearance with potential to obtain Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Work with a multidisciplinary technical team to perform modeling and simulation of nuclear weapon environments and effects.
• Identify opportunities to inform and analyze system requirements.
• Produce data and analyze results; evaluate third‑party results and summarize conclusions.
• Present work to technical staff, management, and government organizations.
• Expand knowledge in nuclear hardness and survivability areas.
• Run third‑party software in Linux and/or Windows environments.

Skills

Radiation environments understanding

Data analysis

Computational physics/engineering

Interim Secret clearance eligibility

Linux/Windows environment familiarity

Education

PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, or electrical engineering

Tools

MATLAB

MCNP

GEANT

ENDF

NJOY

DIORAMA

Job description

Are you interested in applying your STEM background to strategic deterrence and defense?

Are you searching for important physics/engineering-based analysis work, where you can contribute to some of our country's most fascinating security challenges?

Are you interested in research that will make the next generation of U.S. Strategic Systems more survivable, reliable, and credible?

If you are graduating with a PhD in math, physics, engineering, or a closely related field, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group within the Force Projection Sector of the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic physicist and/or engineer to take on the position of Strategic Deterrent Nuclear Survivability Analyst. The ideal candidate will work on complex, multi-disciplinary problems with a team of experts to offer technical contributions to the improve the next generation of U.S. Strategic Systems.

We are looking for capable analysts who will do some of the following:

• Work with a talented and inclusive multi-disciplinary technical team
• Perform modeling and simulation tasks to understand, evaluate, and characterize nuclear weapon environments and effects
• Identify opportunities to inform and analyze system requirements
• Produce data and then perform analysis of that data
• Perform independent analysis of third-party results and summarize conclusions
• Present work and results to other technical staff members, management, and government organizations
• Expand your technical skillset to include additional nuclear hardness and survivability areas.
• Run third party software in a Linux and/or Windows environment

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, or electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Are familiar with radiation environments and the principles of radiation interactions with matter
• Are familiar with MATLAB and/or other coding platforms
• Have strong attention to detail
• Have knowledge of data analysis, computational physics, or computational engineering
• Have the ability to obtain an Interim Secret level clearance prior to starting with the ability to ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. Applicant selected 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 exceed our minimum requirements if you…

You’ll exceed our minimum requirements if you…

• Have High Energy Particle Physics, Thermal Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Weapon Effects, or Plasma Physics knowledge
• Have nuclear weapons effects modeling and simulation experience
• Have applied radiation testing methods and used radiation testing facilities
• Have experience with radiation effects on materials and electronic parts for strategic systems
• Have education and/or hands‑on experience in systems engineering
• Are comfortable working with Linux
• Have some past experience in one of the National Laboratories
• Have experience with MCNP, GEANT, ENDF, NJOY, DIORAMA, or similar code
• Have prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems
• Hold an active Secret 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