Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks an Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer to enhance missile system models into flight-ready software. This role involves team collaboration to innovate and design advanced weapon control systems while documenting results for sponsors.

Applicants should have a B.S. degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, proficiency in C++, MATLAB, or Python, and familiarity with flight dynamics. A comprehensive benefits package is offered along with competitive salaries ranging from $100,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance and can obtain Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for mission planning and weapon control.
• Design testing methods for developed software.
• Model dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in various environments.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Python

Flight dynamics

Navigation and control

Education

B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics

M.S. or PhD. in a related field

Tools

Software repositories

Bug tracking systems

Collaboration tools

Job description

Description

Are you interested in taking missile system models and translating their design characteristics into algorithms and methodologies that can be used in flight-ready software?

Do you like working with a team to take innovative ideas from proof of concept to program ready final products?

As an Aerospace Software Engineer/Developer you will...

• Develop software for mission planning, weapon control, and guidance systems using advanced methodologies
• Design methods for evaluating and testing developed software
• Algorithmically model the challenging dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in varying environments
• Interact with sponsors and external representatives to formulate concepts of operation for these novel and advanced technologies
• Document and present work to sponsors and third‑party collaborators

Qualifications

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

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics; or related technical field and 2+ years of relevant experience
• Have significant experience in programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
• Are familiar with software repositories, bug tracking systems, and collaboration tools.
• Have knowledge of flight dynamics, navigation, guidance, and control
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a M.S. or PhD. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; Computer Science; applied mathematics; or related technical field with relevant experience in modeling and simulation of flight systems
• Have experience developing 3-DoF and/or 6-DoF flight simulations
• Have some knowledge of optimization techniques/optimal control
• Have worked with solvers such as SNOPT, IPOPT, ECOS, etc.
• Are willing and able to travel 10 to 20 days a year
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or higher

About Us

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually