Dynamics Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, is seeking a Dynamics Analyst to shape technical direction and deliver integrated, multi-physics solutions for high‑impact government sponsors. The role collaborates with aerodynamics, structures, and thermal teams, utilizing MATLAB and industry tools to translate physics into robust simulation tools.

You will develop models, perform dynamics and aeroelastic analyses, and generate load cases for flight simulations while traveling up

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 6+ years of dynamics research or professional experience.
• Proficient in MATLAB.
• Willing to work full-time at the APL campus in Laurel, MD with telework up to two days.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Self-starter with direction-setting ability.
• Proficiency in related fields: Lagrangian dynamics, multi-body dynamics, modal analysis, multi-physics.
• Strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Willing to travel up to 5% as needed.
• Eligible for Secret security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate mathematical models of aerospace systems using MATLAB and commercial tools.
• Translate first-principles physics into robust simulation tools and models.
• Perform first-principles dynamics, vibration, and aeroelastic stability analyses.
• Generate realistic load cases for flight-vehicle simulations.
• Support on-site and off-site shock, vibration, and performance testing and reconcile data with predictions.
• Collaborate with aerodynamics, structures, thermal, and mission planning teams for multi-physics solutions.
• Document analyses, produce technical reports, and present findings to sponsors and partners.
• Leverage internal funding for self-directed research, patents, or conference papers.
• Produce concise technical reports, design reviews, and briefings.
• Present findings to internal teams, sponsors, and peer organizations.

Skills

MATLAB

Self-starter

Clear communicator

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Abaqus

SIMPACK

ANSYS

LabVIEW

Job description

Description

At APL we push the boundaries of air‑and missile‑defense technology. Our multidisciplinary teams bring together experts in aerospace, mechanical engineering, physics, and more to transform bold ideas into operational capabilities. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where curiosity is rewarded, and every engineer has the freedom to explore innovative solutions.

At APL we push the boundaries of air‑and missile‑defense technology. Our multidisciplinary teams bring together experts in aerospace, mechanical engineering, physics, and more to transform bold ideas into operational capabilities. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture where curiosity is rewarded, and every engineer has the freedom to explore innovative solutions. Aerospace vehicles operate in extreme environments—high‑speed flight, intense vibration, shock, and rapid thermal changes. Our Dynamics team provides the fundamental analysis that guarantees safety, performance, and lethality.

As a Dynamics Analyst You Will

• Shape the technical direction for high‑impact government sponsors.
• Partner with specialists in aerodynamics, structures, and thermal analysis to deliver integrated, multi‑physics solutions.
• Influence the next generation of defense technology through data‑driven insights and clear communication.

Your primary responsibilities as a Dynamics Analyst will be to

• Develop and validate mathematical models of aerospace systems using MATLAB and commercial tools (e.g., Abaqus, SIMPACK, ANSYS).
• Translate first‑principles physics into robust simulation tools and models.
• Perform first‑principles dynamics, vibration, and aeroelastic stability analyses.
• Generate realistic load cases for flight‑vehicle simulations.
• Support on‑site and off‑site shock, vibration, and performance testing and process test data to reconcile results with predictions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (aerodynamics, structures, thermal, mission planning) to integrate multi‑physics solutions.
• Document analyses, produce technical reports, and present findings to internal teams, sponsors, and external partners.
• Leverage internal funding streams to pursue self‑directed research, patents, or conference papers.
• Produce concise technical reports, design reviews, and briefings.
• Present findings to internal teams, sponsors, and peer organizations.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a BS Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Have 6+ years of research and/or professional experience in dynamics.
• Are proficient in MATLAB.
• Are willing and able to work full‑time based out of the APL campus in Laurel, MD. Telework may be available up to two days per week under certain conditions.
• Have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a history of important contributions to multidisciplinary teams on a variety of analysis problems.
• Are a demonstrated self‑starter with the ability to set direction and work successfully with little supervision.
• Can demonstrate proficiently in one or more related fields. These include but are not limited to Lagrangian dynamics, multi‑body dynamics simulation, modal analysis, LabVIEW development, flight hardware qualification, multi‑physics simulation, and force reconstruction.
• Have strong written and oral presentation skills; comfortable communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Have a willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.
• Are able to obtain Secret level security 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

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually