Air Combat Modeling & Simulation Specialist

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a motivated modeling and simulation specialist to evaluate air combat systems, strike weapons, and multi-domain sensing. You will build and apply analytical tools to inform system requirements, acquisition decisions, and force design.

You will work with a diverse team of engineers and analysts, using Python, MATLAB, C++, and AFSIM to design experiments, process data, and communicate findings to decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, physics, computer science, applied mathematics, operations research, or another related technical field.
• Experience developing or applying models and simulations through coursework, research, internships, employment, or independent projects.
• Experience using Python, MATLAB, C++, or another programming language.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills and an interest in applying technical concepts to operational problems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate technical information clearly.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date and ultimately Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Build, integrate, test, and improve models of aircraft, weapons, sensors, countermeasures, communications, and other mission systems.
• Apply AFSIM and other tools to analyze air combat and precision strike missions in contested environments.
• Design simulation experiments and evaluate performance at multiple levels.
• Use MATLAB, Python, and other software tools to automate simulations, process data, visualize results, and improve workflows.
• Collaborate with engineers, military operators, program offices, and decision-makers to frame questions and communicate findings, limitations, and recommendations.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering/physics/CS/OR

Tools

AFSIM

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a motivated modeling and simulation specialist to evaluate air combat systems, strike weapons, and multi-domain sensing. You will build and apply analytical tools to inform system requirements, acquisition decisions, and force design.

You will work with a diverse team of engineers and analysts, using Python, MATLAB, C++, and AFSIM to design experiments, process data, and communicate findings to decision-makers.