Advanced Concept Engineer: Defense Systems & Optimization

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an Advanced Concept Engineer to shape next-generation U.S. weapon concepts.

You will conduct system-wide studies, develop physics-based models, and translate operational needs into tractable mathematical formulations for modeling, simulation, and optimization. You will work on multidisciplinary analyses across missile design, mission planning, fire control, defense systems, and early-stage hardware.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Two or more years of relevant academic research.
• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline (e.g., vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors).
• Experience with advanced design methods 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.
• Proficiency in a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Eligibility for US security clearance including interim Secret and Top Secret/SCI levels.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Trajectory optimization

Aerothermal modeling

Mechanical design

Mathematical modeling

MATLAB

Python

C++

Education

Master’s Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an Advanced Concept Engineer to shape next-generation U.S. weapon concepts.

You will conduct system-wide studies, develop physics-based models, and translate operational needs into tractable mathematical formulations for modeling, simulation, and optimization. You will work on multidisciplinary analyses across missile design, mission planning, fire control, defense systems, and early-stage hardware.