Advanced Concept Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to lead multidisciplinary studies and develop next-generation missile concepts. You will build and evaluate models, translate complex problems into actionable insights, and communicate with sponsors to inform critical decisions.

The role requires a Master’s in a relevant field, 5+ years of experience, and proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++, with eligibility for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience beyond academic research.
• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline.
• Experience in trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
• Ability to translate real-world problems into mathematical models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multidisciplinary trade, optimization, and system studies for next-generation missile concepts.
• Analyze problems across missile design, mission planning, and defense domains.
• Develop and implement physics-based or empirical models for conceptual design and analysis.
• Communicate findings to technical teams and sponsors to inform decisions.
• Translate operational needs into mathematical formulations for modeling and optimization.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C++

GNC

Trajectory optimization

Education

Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Description

Shape the next generation of U.S. weapon systems. Join APL's Multidisciplinary Design Optimization team to tackle the complex, open-ended engineering problems that define future missions, systems, and kill chains.

Influence critical decisions through advanced technical approaches. Work directly with technical experts and sponsors to transform emerging operational needs into credible concepts and provide the technical insight needed to shape future programs.

Explore problems across a dynamic mission space. Work across a broad portfolio with a high degree of autonomy, ownership, and freedom to pursue new ideas.

Join a team that sees the big picture. Work alongside driven, creative engineers who connect technical depth with systems-level thinking to address current and emerging needs of the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

As a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer, you will:

• Conduct multidisciplinary trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies to develop and evaluate next-generation missile and weapon concepts.


• Analyze problems spanning missile design and performance, mission planning, fire control and weapon scheduling, ballistic missile defense, anti-air warfare, hypersonic defense, defensive space control, and early-stage hardware design.


• Formulate, develop, and implement state-of-the-art physics-based/empirical models for conceptual design and performance analysis of U.S. and adversary weapon systems.


• Distill complex technical analysis into actionable insights; communicate findings to technical experts, executive management, and government sponsors to inform critical technical and programmatic decisions.


• Translate operational needs and real-world constraints into mathematical formulations suitable for modeling, simulation, and optimization.


• Identify and adapt cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to bring new approaches to complex defense challenges.

Qualifications

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

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.


• 5+ years of professional experience beyond academic research.


• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline, such as vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors.


• Experience in one or more relevant technical areas such as trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling and analysis, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.


• Ability to translate real-world problems and constraints into mathematical models and draw meaningful conclusions from numerical results.


• Demonstrated ability to independently tackle unfamiliar, open-ended technical problems.


• Proficiency in a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.


• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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.

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,

• robust education assistance program


• unparalleled retirement contributions


• healthy work/life balance

We provide 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.

• retirement plans


• paid time off


• medical


• dental


• vision


• life insurance


• short-term disability


• long-term disability


• flexible spending accounts


• education assistance


• training and development

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually

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].