AFSIM Developer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a senior developer to design, implement, and integrate AFSIM plugins and space-focused simulations. You will work on orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, EW, and multi‑domain effects, extending the framework with modular C++ components.

Collaborate across teams to validate models, connect AFSIM to STK, MATLAB, and Python pipelines, and incorporate real-world data and threat representations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or closely related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of strong C++ experience for framework-level development and plugin implementation.
• 3+ years of hands-on AFSIM experience including scenario creation, plugin work, model integration, or core framework extensions.
• Background in modeling and simulation in aerospace/space or mission-level multi-domain environments.
• Familiarity with object-oriented design, modular architectures, and simulation development best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for collaborative work.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance (start) and qualify for TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.
• Preferred: space-domain modeling, scripting in Python/MATLAB/Lua, knowledge of EW, cyber effects, multi-domain operations.
• Experience with tools like STK or NGTS; DoD/Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs; AFSIM tooling familiarity.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space-focused simulations (orbital dynamics, satellites, sensing, comms, EW, multi-domain effects).
• Extend the AFSIM framework via its C++ architecture to enable new capabilities, data connections, and behaviors.
• Create and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic for rapid evaluation of design options.
• Verify and validate models against reference data, engineering models, or higher-fidelity tools.
• Run simulations, analyze outputs, and produce visuals and metrics for decision support.
• Connect AFSIM with tools like STK, MATLAB, and Python-based pipelines for hybrid workflows and post-processing.
• Incorporate real-world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into the simulation environment.
• Contribute documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing across the modeling community.

Skills

C++

AFSIM

Modeling & Simulation

Object-oriented design

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Physics/Math or related

Tools

STK

NGTS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Requirements

Must have:

• – Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• – At least 3 years of strong C++ experience for framework-level development and plugin implementation.
• – At least 3 years of hands-on AFSIM experience, including scenario creation, plugin work, model integration, or core framework extensions.
• – Background in modeling and simulation, ideally within aerospace, space, or mission-level multi-domain environments.
• – Familiarity with object-oriented design, modular architectures, and simulation development best practices.
• – Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for collaborative, high-impact work.
• – Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by the start date and ultimately qualify for TS/SCI access; U.S. citizenship is required.
• – Preferred qualifications include space-domain modeling experience, scripting in Python, MATLAB, or Lua, and knowledge of electronic warfare, cyber effects, or multi-domain operations.
• – Additional advantages include experience with tools such as STK or NGTS, support for DoD or Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs, and familiarity with AFSIM supporting tools and scripting.
• – Active TS/SCI clearance is considered a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space-focused simulations covering orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, electronic warfare, and multi-domain effects.
• Extend the AFSIM framework through its modular C++ architecture to enable new capabilities, behaviors, and data connections.
• Create and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic to support rapid evaluation of force design alternatives.
• Verify and validate models against reference data, engineering models, or higher-fidelity tools.
• Run simulations, examine outputs, and produce visualizations and metrics that support analysis and decision-making.
• Connect AFSIM with other tools such as STK, MATLAB, and Python-based data pipelines for hybrid workflows and post-processing.
• Incorporate real-world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into the simulation environment.
• Contribute documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing across the modeling and simulation community.

Company:

We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where we apply world-class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We offer a welcoming and collaborative culture that encourages authenticity, creativity, growth, and strong team connections. Our employees benefit from generous support, including education assistance, substantial retirement contributions, and a healthy work-life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, and we also provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the posted salary range is $100,000 to $245,000 annually.