Experienced Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced engineer to design and document test plans, develop analysis tools, and perform test & evaluation for in-development Navy/Air Force strategic missile systems, including Trident and Sentinel.

You will lead analysis efforts, create cutting-edge tools, and collaborate with government partners and industry staff across multiple field sites. APL offers robust benefits and opportunities for advanced professional growth.

Qualifications

• B.S. in aerospace engineering with 4+ years of test & evaluation experience.
• Strong knowledge of flight/ground testing, dynamics and propulsion.
• Proficient in MATLAB; able to work with cross-functional teams and travel 25–30 days/year.

Responsibilities

• Develop performance requirements and evaluation plans for in-development missile systems.
• Advise government partners on test & evaluation planning and strategy.
• Develop data collection requirements to meet sponsor objectives.
• Evaluate data products and flight test telemetry to assess missile performance.
• Support missile test & evaluation for Navy/AF programs and assess against predictions.
• Support field site testing and data analysis tool development.
• Lead analysis efforts and present findings to sponsors and agency representatives.
• Support sponsor meetings at various sites around the country.

Skills

Strong communication

Travel readiness

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Position Overview

Are you interested in the test and evaluation of our Nation's in-development strategic missile systems? Are you interested working with a team of engineers to ensure the success of the next generation of strategic missiles, reentry systems, and hypersonic weapons? Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a well-rounded team of engineers?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking an experienced engineer to help us design and document test and analysis plans, develop cutting‑edge analysis tools, and perform test & evaluation for in‑development Navy / Air Force strategic missile systems, including Trident and Sentinel.

Responsibilities

• Develop performance requirements and evaluation plans for in‑development missile systems
• Advise government partners on test & evaluation planning and strategy
• Develop data collection requirements to meet sponsor objectives
• Evaluate data products and flight test telemetry to determine missile and reentry body performance during flight tests
• Perform missile system test and evaluation, primarily in support of the Navy and Air Force strategic and hypersonic missile programs, including assessments of performance, comparing to pre‑flight predictions, requirements, and cumulative system assessments
• Support other group tasking in the areas of missile and reentry body modeling and simulation, range systems evaluation, and field site support for flight tests
• Create cutting‑edge analysis tools and visualization methods to support developmental programs
• Lead and contribute to analysis efforts to include documenting and presenting analysis findings as appropriate to sponsors and representatives of other agencies
• Support test operations at field sites during missile flight tests
• Support sponsor meetings and interactions at various sites around the country

Qualifications

• B.S. in aerospace engineering or related discipline with at least four years of experience specific to the test & evaluation of aerospace systems or subsystems
• Technical knowledge of key missile subject areas such as flight/ground testing, aerodynamic performance, flight dynamics, and propulsion
• Strong computer background and programming skills, including MATLAB
• Ability to work and effectively interact with colleagues and multi‑disciplinary teams both internally and externally of various experience levels and backgrounds, including industry and military personnel
• Strong communication skills; both verbal and written are required
• Comfortable working in closed area facilities
• Initiative, interest in skill development, and flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
• Ability to travel for meetings and field tests (approx. 25‑30 days per year)
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)

Additional Qualifications

• M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering with eight or more years of experience specific to the test & evaluation or modeling & simulation of missile and/or reentry systems or subsystems, including MATLAB
• Strong background in missile body functional, aerodynamic, and interface performance requirements
• Design experience for related missile and reentry body subsystems
• Previous experience with Navy / Air Force strategic missile and/or reentry systems, including Trident, Minuteman, or Sentinel
• Active Top Secret clearance

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually