GN&C Flight Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Generous benefits package

Robust retirement contributions

Job summary

Join Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as a GN&C Flight Analyst. This role involves evaluating advanced missile and aerospace vehicle performance using simulation tools and real flight test data. Candidates should have a strong background in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and a B.S. degree in a related technical field.

The position offers unique collaboration opportunities with experts, challenging responsibilities, and a vibrant work environment that celebrates creativity and individuality.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of relevant experience in GNC telemetry and navigation sensors.
• Willing to travel occasionally (2-3 trips per year).
• Able to obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately obtain Top-Secret level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze flight test data from GNC telemetry and navigation sensors.
• Develop proficiency with analysis tools for understanding missile performance.
• Support design and maintenance of flight analysis software.
• Present findings to internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with experts in industry and academia.

Skills

Optimal Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters)

Inertial Navigation

Flight Data Analysis

Guidance and Controls Performance Analysis

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics

Tools

Matlab object-oriented programming

Job description

Description

Are you excited by the thought of evaluating missile and hypersonic aerospace vehicle performance using advanced simulation tools and real flight test data?

Are you up to the challenge of working with and learning from specialists in the field of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) and state estimation?

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

We are seeking an inquisitive engineer with a background and strong interest in Inertial Navigation, Guidance, Control, and Estimation to help us evaluate the performance of our nation’s most advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile systems.

As a GN&C Flight Analyst, you will

• Analyze flight test data from GNC telemetry and navigation sensors including inertial measurement units (IMU), Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, RADAR, or other sensor systems.
• Develop proficiency with analysis tools and methods to understand overall flight performance of ballistic and hypersonic missile and reentry systems.
• Support the design, development, and maintenance of flight analysis software and procedures required to evaluate current and future flight system performance.
• Present findings to a broad internal audience as well as sponsors and external organizations at working groups, post-flight briefings, and program reviews.
• Collaborate with experts in industry and academia to gain a better understanding of weapon system performance and accuracy.

Qualifications

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

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics (or closely related technical field).
• Have 1+ years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: Optimal Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, Flight Dynamics, Flight Data Analysis, or Guidance and Controls Performance Analysis.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (potentially 2-3 trips per year with a duration of one week or less).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level 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.

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

• Have an M.S. (or above) in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field) or 3+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
• Have experience evaluating the performance of aerospace vehicles using real-world test data (IMU, GPS, RADAR, or similar) and have a strong understanding of their dynamics.
• Have experience evaluating aerospace vehicle Guidance and Control performance and stability
• Have proficiency with simulation tools (functional or covariance) that predict the performance of dynamic systems.
• Are proficient in Matlab object-oriented programming.
• Currently hold an active Secret clearance (or above).

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually