Advanced Concept Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to lead multidisciplinary studies advancing next-generation missile concepts. You will develop models, analyze complex systems, and communicate results to sponsors and technical leadership.

Applicants should hold a Master’s in a relevant field, have 5+ years of experience, and be capable of translating real-world constraints into mathematical formulations.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience beyond academic research.
• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline (vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors).
• Experience in trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
• Ability to translate real-world problems into mathematical models and draw meaningful conclusions from results.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Interim Secret clearance eligibility by start date and ability to obtain TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies to develop next-gen missile concepts.
• Analyze missile design, mission planning, fire control, defense systems, and related challenges.
• Develop and implement physics-based or empirical models for design and performance analysis.
• Distill insights and communicate findings to technical teams, management, and sponsors.
• Translate operational needs into mathematical formulations for modeling and optimization.
• Identify cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to tackle defense challenges.

Skills

Open-ended problem solving

Independent work

Translate problems into models

Communication with sponsors

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Master's Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

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, 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

$290,000 Annually