Flight Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Robust retirement contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Flight Systems Engineer in Laurel, Maryland, to integrate algorithms for mission planning in defense systems. The position requires a B.S. in a relevant field and 2+ years of experience in complex systems development. Responsibilities include system modeling, algorithm development for hypersonic weapons, and collaboration across teams. Enjoy generous benefits, including education assistance and robust retirement contributions. Competitive salaries ranging from $100,000 to $245,000 annually depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in concept development, system requirements, and functional analysis.
• Strong initiative with interest in developing new skills.
• Able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support system-level modeling and evaluation using mathematical and statistical approaches.
• Develop mission planning algorithms for hypersonic and ballistic weapon systems.
• Collaborate with teams to develop concepts of operations for advanced technologies.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Python

Mathematical analysis

Systems integration expertise

Education

B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or related fields

Ph.D. in physics, applied mathematics, engineering or related discipline

Job description

Description

Are you interested in the relationship between system architecture and performance of advanced hypersonic weapons? Do you have experience in the engineering of complex systems and want to have an impact on critically important defense programs? Do you love working in teams with a dynamic group of specialists? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Flight Systems Engineer to develop and integrate algorithms, concepts, and system-level approaches for end-to-end mission planning of current and future conventional and nuclear strategic systems. This role involves working across multiple teams to perform high-fidelity analysis and accuracy studies, requiring strong mathematical, modeling and systems integration expertise.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support system-level modeling and evaluation of existing strategic systems using rigorous mathematical and statistical approaches
• Develop mission planning algorithms for hypersonic and ballistic weapon systems
• Ensure the successful integration of system modifications on the existing system-level navigation architectures and mission planning approaches of strategic systems
• Collaborate with internal teams, sponsors, and external partners to develop concepts of operations for advanced technologies
• Document and present results to sponsors and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Possess a B.S. in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or related technical fields
• Have 2 or more years of experience in early concept development, system requirements, functional analysis and allocation, design trades, or the development integration and evaluation of complex systems
• Have 2 years of experience in programming languages such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
• Have strong initiative, interest in developing new skills, and the flexibility to carry out assignments of varied scope
• Be able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and a government clearance investigation

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a Ph.D. in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or related technical discipline
• Have 5+ years of experience in the engineering of complex systems
• Experience in requirements development, verification & validation, and systems integration
• Familiarity with the Defense acquisition process
• Prior experience modeling or evaluating hypersonic weapon systems
• Willing and able to travel 10 to 20 days a year
• Hold an active Top Secret security 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, our culture is what makes us truly outstanding. 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.

Why Work at APL?

At APL, we celebrate 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