2027 PhD Graduate - Systems Engineer/Analyst - Multi-Mission Planning Development

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland seeks a Research Engineer in Mission Planning & AI with a Ph.D. to apply advanced research to national defense challenges.

You will work with engineers, scientists, and military experts to develop algorithms, modeling frameworks, and AI techniques, translating research into deployable capabilities with operational impact. This role requires collaboration across disciplines, mentorship of junior engineers, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, AI, Data Science, Mathematics, OR related field.
• Proven research record and ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Experience developing analytical models, simulations, optimization methods, or AI solutions using MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
• Experience leading collaborative research or technical projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication of complex concepts.
• Willingness to collaborate with military operators to address operational challenges.
• Able to obtain Interim Secret/Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts advancing next‑generation mission planning and decision‑support capabilities.
• Develop innovative algorithms, analytical methods, modeling frameworks, and AI techniques.
• Design, evaluate, and improve mission planning architectures supporting multiple mission areas.
• Conduct analyses to evaluate capabilities, identify improvements, and inform system development.
• Assess fidelity and effectiveness of modeling and simulation tools.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition research into deployable capabilities.
• Work with military operators to translate needs into technical solutions.
• Publish findings internally and influence technical strategy.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C++

Algorithms

Optimization

AI/ML

Education

Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Eng, etc.

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

JavaScript/TypeScript

Job description

Research Engineer - Mission Planning & Artificial Intelligence (Ph.D.)

Apply Your Research to Advance National Defense

Are you ready to apply your Ph.D. research to some of the nation's most challenging engineering problems?

Do you want your work to influence the next generation of mission planning technologies that help the U.S. Armed Forces make informed decisions in complex operational environments?

Are you excited to combine your expertise in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, modeling and simulation, or artificial intelligence with multidisciplinary teams to develop capabilities that strengthen homeland and theater ballistic missile, hypersonic, and air defense, enable multi-domain operations, accelerate warfighting capabilities, and enable space operations?

Who We Are

Our team develops advanced mission planning capabilities that enable military planners to evaluate alternatives, optimize system performance, and make better decisions across complex air, missile, maritime, and space operations.

Our work spans Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, Hypersonic Defense, and emerging multi-domain missions. We combine systems engineering, software engineering, modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, optimization, and operational analysis to deliver mission planning capabilities that directly support national security.

What You'll Do

As a member of our team, you'll collaborate with nationally recognized engineers, scientists, mathematicians, software developers, and military subject matter experts to solve challenging technical problems.

• Lead technical efforts that advance next-generation mission planning and decision-support capabilities.
• Apply your research to develop innovative algorithms, analytical methods, modeling and simulation frameworks, and artificial intelligence techniques.
• Design, evaluate, and improve mission planning architectures that support multiple mission areas and military services.
• Conduct engineering and operational analyses that evaluate current capabilities, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform future system development.
• Assess the fidelity and effectiveness of modeling and simulation tools used to evaluate operational performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition research into deployable operational capabilities.
• Work directly with military operators and mission experts to understand operational challenges and translate those needs into innovative technical solutions.
• Publish technical findings internally, present recommendations to sponsors and stakeholders, and help shape future technical strategy.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to an environment that values technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Why Join Our Team?

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Apply cutting-edge research to meaningful national security challenges.
• Influence the design of next-generation mission planning technologies used across multiple military missions.
• Work alongside nationally recognized experts in systems engineering, software engineering, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation, and operational analysis.
• Collaborate directly with military operators, sponsors, and technical leaders to ensure research delivers operational impact.
• Continue growing as a technical leader while helping shape future research and engineering directions.
• Make lasting contributions to capabilities that strengthen national defense and support the U.S. Armed Forces.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications if you:

• Have earned or will earn a Ph.D.in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Mathematics, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Have demonstrated excellence conducting independent research and solving complex technical problems.
• Have experience developing analytical models, simulations, optimization methods, algorithms, or artificial intelligence solutions using MATLAB, Python, or similar technical computing environments.
• Have experience leading collaborative research or technical projects.
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively through written reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
• Enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams while taking initiative to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Are interested in collaborating with military operators to understand operational challenges and develop practical engineering solutions.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secretsecurity clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secretsecurity clearance. U.S. citizenship is required, and selected candidates will be subject to a government security clearance investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

You’ll stand out if you have one or more of the following:

• Dissertation or research experience directly related to mission planning, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimization, modeling and simulation, decision science, autonomy, or defense applications.
• Experience developing production-quality software using C++, Python, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
• Experience with distributed computing, cloud computing, high-performance computing, DevSecOps, containerization, CI/CD pipelines, or modern software development practices.
• Experience developing algorithms for optimization, resource allocation, decision support, operations research, or multi-agent systems.
• Previous internship, postdoctoral, industry, government laboratory, or research experience applying advanced technical research to real-world engineering challenges.
• Experience working with or supporting U.S. Department of Defense programs, operational analysis, or military systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams or mentoring junior researchers and engineers.
• An active Final 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually