Experienced Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking an experienced engineer for missile systems test and evaluation in Laurel, Maryland. The role involves developing performance requirements and evaluation plans for Navy and Air Force strategic missile systems. Candidates should have a BS in aerospace engineering, strong MATLAB skills, and at least 4 years of relevant experience. Competitive salary ranges between $100,000 and $245,000 annually, and various benefits, including education assistance and retirement contributions are offered.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of specific test and evaluation experience in aerospace systems.
• Eligible for an Interim Secret level security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop performance requirements and evaluation plans for missile systems.
• Evaluate data products to determine missile performance during tests.
• Create analysis tools and visualization methods.

Skills

Aerospace systems test and evaluation

Programming in MATLAB

Flight/ground testing knowledge

Team collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Education

BS in aerospace engineering or related technical discipline

M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Description

Are you interested in the test and evaluation of our nation's in-development strategic missile systems, and 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?

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced engineer to design and document test and analysis plans, develop cutting-edge analysis tools, and perform test and evaluation for in-development Navy and Air Force strategic missile systems, including Trident and Sentinel. As a partner to multiple government sponsors, JHU/APL serves to advance next-generation strategic systems. In this role, you will lead the development of performance requirements, plan and execute test and evaluation activities, and participate in field‑site testing and post‑flight analysis to mature system design and ensure success.

Responsibilities

• Develop performance requirements and evaluation plans for in-development missile systems.
• Advise government partners on test and evaluation planning and strategy.
• Develop data collection requirements that 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 in support of Navy and Air Force strategic and hypersonic missile programs, assessing performance against pre‑flight predictions, requirements, and cumulative system assessments.
• Support other group tasking in 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, documenting and presenting findings 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 across the country.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in aerospace engineering or related technical discipline with at least 4 years of specific test and evaluation experience in aerospace systems or subsystems.
• Technical knowledge of key missile subject areas: flight/ground testing, aerodynamic performance, flight dynamics, and propulsion.
• Strong computer background and programming skills, including MATLAB.
• Effective team player who can interact with colleagues and multidisciplinary teams across industry and military.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable working in closed‑area facilities.
• Initiative and flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill.
• Available to travel for meetings and field tests (approx. 25‑30 days per year).
• Eligible for an Interim Secret level security clearance by start date and ultimately a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Your Additional Strengths

• M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering with 8+ years of experience in test and evaluation or modeling and simulation of missile and/or reentry systems or subsystems.
• Strong background in missile body functional, aerodynamic, and interface performance requirements.
• Design experience for related missile and reentry‑body subsystems.
• Previous experience with Navy or Air Force strategic missile and/or reentry systems, including Trident, Minuteman, or Sentinel.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

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. We celebrate differences, encourage creativity, and provide a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

Employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information on career opportunities, visit http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.