AFSIM Developer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab seeks an AFSIM Developer to create advanced simulations for U.S. Space Force initiatives. This role demands a Bachelor's degree in STEM and strong C++ skills to maintain high-fidelity simulations crucial for force design decisions.

The ideal candidate will work with diverse teams and handle complex operational requirements in contested environments, contributing directly to innovative capabilities in defense technologies.

Generous benefits and a vibrant work culture await at APL, located in Laurel, MD.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of strong proficiency in modern C++ for framework-level development.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with AFSIM.
• Familiar with object-oriented design and simulation best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins.
• Extend AFSIM’s core framework using its modular C++ architecture.
• Perform verification and validation of models against reference data.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Modeling and simulation

Problem-solving skills

Collaborative skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

Tools

AFSIM

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about building high-fidelity simulations that shape the future of U.S. Space Force capabilities and force design decisions?

Do you thrive on developing advanced AFSIM models that bring complex space, cyber, electronic warfare, and multi-domain operational concepts to life?

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

We are seeking an experienced AFSIM Developer to support advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) efforts for U.S. Space Force force design initiatives. In this role, you will develop, extend, and maintain high-fidelity simulations using the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) to evaluate future space architectures, mission concepts, systems‑of‑systems interactions, and operational scenarios in contested multi‑domain environments.

You will collaborate with analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to build and refine models of space systems, platforms, sensors, threats, and enabling capabilities. Your work will directly inform force design decisions, capability trades, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and wargaming/experimentation activities. This position requires the ability to translate complex operational and technical requirements into extensible simulation components while ensuring models remain performant and analytically robust.

As an AFSIM Developer you will...

• Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space domain simulations, including orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, electronic warfare (EW), and multi‑domain effects.


• Extend AFSIM’s core framework using its modular C++ architecture to support new capabilities, behaviors, and data interfaces.


• Develop and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic to enable rapid exploration of force design alternatives.


• Perform verification and validation (V&V) of models against reference data, engineering models, or higher‑fidelity tools.


• Conduct simulation runs, analyze outputs, and generate visualizations or metrics to support analytical conclusions and decision‑making.


• Interface AFSIM with other tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB, Python data pipelines) for hybrid workflows or post‑processing.


• Support integration of real‑world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into simulation environments.


• Contribute to documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing within the modeling community.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the position if you possess...

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.


• 3+ years of strong proficiency in modern C++ for framework‑level development and plugin creation.


• 3+ years of direct, hands‑on experience with AFSIM (scenario development, plugin development, model integration, or core extensions).


• Experience in modeling and simulation, preferably in aerospace, space, or multi‑domain mission‑level contexts.


• Familiarity with object‑oriented design, modular frameworks, and simulation best practices.


• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills for working in collaborative, high‑impact environments.


• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

You go above and beyond the minimum qualifications if you...

• Experience with space‑specific modeling (orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, satellite systems, PNT, comms, or space control).


• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or Lua scripting for analysis, automation, or AFSIM integration.


• Knowledge of electronic warfare, cyber effects, or multi‑domain operations in simulations.


• Familiarity with additional M&S tools such as STK, NGTS, or similar.


• Experience supporting DoD or Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs.


• Understanding of force design or capability development processes.


• Experience with AFSIM supporting tools (Wizard IDE, Mystic, etc.) and its scripting language.


• Active TS/SCI 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