Concept Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Robust retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab seeks a Concept Design Engineer to develop and evaluate advanced systems. This role focuses on simulations for US weapons and threats, offering the chance to work on groundbreaking solutions to complex problems.

You will connect with teams throughout the system development pipeline and contribute to various fields such as aerodynamics and mechanical design. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 5 years of technical experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field with 5 years experience.
• 2 years experience in multi-disciplinary conceptual design analyses.
• General understanding of optimization techniques like Genetic Algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Develop simulations of US weapons and threat missiles.
• Lead technical teams in developing models for various systems.
• Solve multi-objective system design optimization challenges.

Skills

Model Development

Technical Analysis

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree or PhD

Job description

Description

Would you be interested in the multi-disciplinary design and evaluation of advanced systems?

Are you looking for meaningful work developing systems that use innovative technologies to support our warfighters while working with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

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

We are seeking a creative, motivated engineer to help us develop simulations of US weapons, threat missiles, and submersibles. You will have opportunities to develop groundbreaking solutions to the nation's toughest multidisciplinary problems. Our group has a well-rounded mix of people that like to explore, build, share, invent, and collaborate.

As a Concept Design Engineer, every day will bring exciting new challenges, including:

• Connecting with other teams to participate in the full pipeline of system development, from conception to integration.
• Contributing to and possibly leading technical teams to develop and run models in a variety of fields including aerodynamics, trajectory, mechanical design, controls, materials, and more.
• Developing and running design and performance models for different systems, including missiles, hypersonics, autonomous aerial vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and submersibles.
• Developing algorithms and constraints based on real-world limitations that enable a multi‑disciplinary design process.
• Solve multi‑objective system design optimization challenges to provide sponsors with the best solutions.

Qualifications

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

• Possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or another related technical field with 5 years technical experience
• Have at least 2 years of experience executing multi-disciplinary conceptual design analyses.
• Have the capability to independently develop models, execute technical analysis, compile and validate results, and present to external sponsors.
• Have a general understanding of optimization techniques such as Genetic Algorithms and statistical methodologies such as Monte Carlo and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Have significant experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and/or C++.
• Have some background in several subject areas such as guidance, control, aerodynamics, trajectory, structures, and/or propulsion.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or another related technical field.
• Have 10+ years of technical experience.
• Have a background in researching and developing vehicle designs for multiple applications, including missiles, hypersonics, autonomous aerial vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and submersibles.
• Have an ability to absorb perspectives of a sophisticated system that may be unfamiliar to you from assorted team members and form them into a cohesive system-level view.
• Have experience in balancing analysis fidelity to answer questions.
• Show that you can recognize when design problems are too complex and require a change in paradigm or when refocused research questions are needed.
• Have enough depth with numerical methods to understand/bypass potential shortfalls and can choose well‑suited algorithms for a given problem.
• Hold a DoD Secret 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 http://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