Computational Physicist – Physics-Based Scene and Signature Modeling

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a highly motivated Computational Physicist to develop physics-based models, simulations, and software tools for scene and signature analysis. The role spans interdisciplinary work across physics, engineering, and AI/ML, with emphasis on observable phenomena and remote sensing.

You will translate complex concepts between teams, validate models with data, and contribute to advancing multidisciplinary solutions in a secure

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience in physics, mathematics, numerical methods, computational problem solving, or physics-based modeling.
• Strong programming experience in at least one scientific or general-purpose programming language.
• Ability to rapidly learn new technical subjects and apply knowledge to interdisciplinary engineering problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to explain complex ideas to specialists and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance by start date with potential to obtain Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop subject matter expertise across multiple technical areas to guide physics-based modeling and analysis.
• Design, test, and maintain computational tools for physics-based scene and signature modeling.
• Develop algorithms for optical propagation, radiometry, image formation, and observable phenomenology.
• Build models that support analysis of physical scenes, signatures, and remote observations.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, software developers, mathematicians, AI/ML researchers, and systems engineers to solve complex problems.
• Serve as a technical bridge between teams by translating concepts and requirements across disciplines.
• Validate models through analysis, simulation, and comparison with experimental or operational data.

Skills

Programming experience

Education

PhD in Physics/Applied Physics/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy diving deeply into new technical fields, building subject matter expertise, and sharing that knowledge with others?

Are you passionate about using physics, mathematics, and computation to understand what sensing systems observe in complex real-world environments?

Would you like to develop physics-based modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities for observable signatures, image formation, and remote sensing applications?

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

We are seeking a creative, highly motivated computational physicist with a Ph.D. background in physics, applied physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related technical field. As a member of our team, you will develop expertise across interdisciplinary areas and translate that expertise into physics-based models, simulations, and software tools. We value people who are intellectually curious, self-directed learners, eager to work across teams, and comfortable serving as a common technical reference point for collaborative development efforts.

As a Computational Physicist - Physics-Based Scene and Signature Modeling, you will...

• Develop subject matter expertise across multiple technical areas and use that knowledge to guide physics-based modeling and analysis efforts.
• Design, develop, test, and maintain computational tools for physics-based scene and signature modeling.
• Develop algorithms for optical propagation, radiometry, image formation, and observable phenomenology.
• Build models that support analysis of physical scenes, signatures, and remote observations.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, software developers, mathematicians, AI/ML researchers, and systems engineers to solve complex technical problems.
• Serve as a technical bridge between teams by translating concepts, assumptions, requirements, and analysis results across disciplines.
• Validate models through analysis, simulation, and comparison with experimental, engineering, or operational data.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another closely related technical field
• Have 2+ years of relevant experience.in physics, mathematics, numerical methods, computational problem solving, or physics-based modeling.
• Have strong programming experience in at least one scientific or general-purpose programming language.
• Are able to rapidly learn new technical subjects and apply that knowledge to interdisciplinary engineering problems.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills and can explain complex technical ideas to both specialists and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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.

About Us

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually