Aerospace Systems Engineer – Reentry Systems Analysis

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Aerospace Systems Engineer to support design assessments, performance evaluations, and data analysis for reentry systems within strategic deterrent programs.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, review design and flight test data, and develop tools for modeling and visualization while preparing clear technical reports and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or another relevant engineering discipline and at least 2 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Have a solid foundation in aerodynamics, flight dynamics, mechanical systems, subsystem performance, systems engineering, or modeling and simulation.
• Have experience applying analytical methods and computational tools to engineering problems, including MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or comparable tools.
• Have demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate technical data and communicate conclusions.
• Are able to travel for meetings and field tests (approximately 30–35 days per year) and obtain security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering analyses and assess the performance of reentry systems and their components.
• Review and analyze design information, production data, and ground and flight test results to understand system behavior and performance.
• Contribute to engineering trade studies and evaluations of design alternatives.
• Develop, apply, and improve modeling, simulation, data processing, and visualization tools.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to investigate technical challenges and support independent assessments for government and industry partners.
• Prepare reports and presentations that clearly communicate technical methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Support reentry system integration, test planning, and testing activities, with opportunities to participate in field tests.
• Develop technical depth through collaboration with experienced engineers across multiple aspects of the reentry system lifecycle.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Systems engineering

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

Job description

Description

Are you interested in applying your engineering skills to challenging problems involving advanced aerospace flight systems? Do you enjoy analyzing complex systems, working with talented engineers, and learning how real-world systems perform?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an Aerospace Systems Engineer to support design assessments, performance evaluations, and data analysis for Strategic Reentry Systems associated with ballistic missile and long-range hypersonic strike programs. These systems are integral to our Nation’s strategic deterrent and may carry conventional or nuclear payloads. You will collaborate with experienced engineers to investigate engineering challenges, evaluate design trades, and support system integration and testing across the product lifecycle—from development through deployment and retirement.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a Reentry Systems Engineer who is ready to contribute to various tasking in a fast-paced environment. You must be willing to take the initiative and be comfortable working in a rapidly changing environment. Some of the traits we are looking for include:

• You are a collaborator and a leader who enjoys working with teams
• You can give and receive feedback effectively
• You have a love of learning and consistently ask relevant questions
• You are detail-oriented and able to deep-dive into an analysis, system, or topic
• You are team-oriented and are more interested in getting the job done right than who gets the credit

As an Aerospace Systems Engineer you will…

• Conduct engineering analyses and assess the performance of reentry systems and their components.
• Review and analyze design information, production data, and ground and flight test results to understand system behavior and performance.
• Contribute to engineering trade studies and evaluations of design alternatives.
• Develop, apply, and improve modeling, simulation, data processing, and visualization tools.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to investigate technical challenges and support independent assessments for government and industry partners.
• Prepare reports and presentations that clearly communicate technical methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Support reentry system integration, test planning, and testing activities, with opportunities to participate in field tests.
• Develop technical depth through collaboration with experienced engineers across multiple aspects of the reentry system lifecycle.

Qualifications

You’ll meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or another relevant engineering discipline and at least 2 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Have a solid foundation in one or more of the following: aerodynamics, flight dynamics, mechanical systems, subsystem performance, systems engineering, or modeling and simulation.
• Have experience applying analytical methods and computational tools to engineering problems, including MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or comparable tools.
• Have demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate technical data and communicate conclusions.
• Work effectively with colleagues from different technical backgrounds and experience levels.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, initiative, and an interest in learning new technical disciplines.
• Are comfortable working in closed-area facilities and able to travel for meetings and field tests (approximately 30–35 days per year).
• Are able to obtain a Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have a graduate degree in a relevant engineering field or 5+ years of related engineering experience.
• Have experience with aerospace vehicle dynamics, computational fluid dynamics, aerothermal analysis, flight testing, or system-level performance assessment.
• Have experience in reentry system design, integration, production, or testing, including flight testing.
• Have experience with hypersonic or nuclear deterrent systems, or Navy and Air Force strategic missile and reentry programs.
• Have experience with requirements management, verification, and engineering trade studies.
• Have experience with bench, laboratory, or flight instrumentation and associated data collection, processing, or analysis.
• Have familiarity with Nuclear Security Enterprise organizations or developmental and stockpile deterrent systems, including Joint Test Assemblies.
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret 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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually