C2 Concept Modeling Simulation and Analysis Engineer

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

Training and development

Health, dental, vision benefits

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks a C2 Concept Modeling Simulation and Analysis Engineer to translate operational concepts into simulation scenarios, develop and run AFSIM-based analyses, and extend the framework for hybrid workflows with Python or MATLAB. You will integrate real-world data and threat representations while ensuring rigorous V&V processes.

Ideal candidates have a DoD C2 understanding, strong C++/Python/MATLAB skills, and a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Have 1+ year of progressive experience with AFSIM developing models and performing analysis.
• Have strong scripting and programming skills with C++, Python, or MATLAB in an IDE.
• Have experience with DevSecOps toolchains (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST).
• Can work effectively in a highly collaborative environment and communicate sophisticated ideas with government civilians, military officers, and contractors.
• Have a DoD C2 system knowledge (Navy or MDA preferred).
• Hold an active security clearance (Secret) and be eligible for TS/SCI; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Translate operational concepts and environments into simulation scenarios to analyze outcomes.
• Develop, configure, and execute engagement-level simulation analyses using the AFSIM core framework.
• Extend AFSIM’s C++ architecture to interface with Python or MATLAB data pipelines for hybrid workflows.
• Integrate real-world data, threat representations, and external models into AFSIM environments.
• Develop and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting for rapid exploration of design options.
• Perform verification and validation of models against reference data and higher-fidelity tools.
• Run simulations, analyze outputs, and generate visualizations to support decisions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate modeling results into broader analytic efforts.
• Document assumptions, methodologies and results for reproducibility.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or related field

Active Secret security clearance

Top Secret/SCI eligibility

Tools

Jenkins

GitLab CI

GitHub Actions

Terraform

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Description

Would you like the opportunity to influence the design and integration of DoD and Navy Command and Control (C2) Systems used to defend the homeland and Navy ships?

Do you want to make significant contributions to improve crucial defensive capabilities through operational and system of systems performance analyses?

Are you looking to work in a challenging, collaborative, and exciting environment?

If so, we would like you to join us at APL!

We are seeking a dynamic, creative and highly analytical software engineer to help us push the boundaries of warfare capabilities by developing engagement-level models and simulations of advanced capabilities to evaluate mission and system performance impacts for either localized Navy kill chains and distributed DoD kill webs. Your contributions will help us transform concepts into resilient defensive capabilities and enable decision-makers to make informed choices for next generation C2 systems.

As a C2 Concept Modeling Simulation and Analysis Engineer, you will...

• Translate operational concepts and environments into simulation scenarios that can be used to analyze outcomes and generate actionable insights.
• Develop, configure, and execute engagement-level simulation-based analyses using the AFSIM core framework and related tools.
• Extend AFSIM’s core framework and its modular C++ architecture to interface with other engineering tools (e.g., Python or MATLAB data pipelines) for hybrid workflows or post-processing needs.
• Support integration of real-world data, threat representations, and externally supplied models into AFSIM simulation environments.
• Develop and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic to enable rapid exploration of design alternatives.
• Perform verification and validation (V&V) of models to ensure accurate information generation and interactions between independent algorithms against reference data, independent engineering models or higher-fidelity tools.
• Conduct simulation runs, analyze outputs, and generate visualizations or metrics to support analytical conclusions and decision-making.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop simulation capabilities and to integrate modeling results into broader analytic efforts.
• Document assumptions, methodologies, and results clearly to support reproducibility and decision-making.
• Contribute to documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing with the program/project team and APL modeling community.

Qualifications

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

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Have 1+ year of progressive experience with AFSIM developing models and performing analysis.
• Have strong scripting and programming skills with any of the following languages: C++, Python, or MATLAB (in order of preference) in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
• Have experience withDevSecOps toolchains(e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST tools)
• Can work effectively in a highly collaborative environment and communicate sophisticated ideas directly with government civilians, military officers, and other contractors.
• Have fundamental knowledge of a DoD C2 system (US Navy or MDA preferred).
• Have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong critical thinking skills.
• Have shown ability to interact effectively with multidisciplinary teams which may include industry and government collaborators.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get a TS/SCI 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...

• Have an advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or a related technical field.
• Have at least 5 years of progressive AFSIM experience developing complex, interacting models for a mission level simulation and performing analysis.
• Have demonstrated high proficiency with C++ and Python.
• Have extensive experience withDevSecOps toolchainsand advanced digital engineering and development ecosystems.
• Have extensive knowledge of service, joint or coalition C2 systems and capabilities including working with operational users.
• Have successfully lead a development team.
• Hold an active Top Secret/SCI security 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