GN&C Flight Analyst

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a GN&C Flight Analyst to evaluate missile systems using advanced simulation tools. Ideal candidates will hold a B.S. in a relevant field and have experience in navigation or controls.

This role involves analyzing flight data, developing assessment tools, and collaborating with specialists in missile technology. The role offers a competitive salary from $100,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• B.S. in a relevant technical field.
• 1+ years of relevant experience in navigation or controls.
• Willing to travel occasionally for work.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Optimal Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters)

Inertial Navigation

Flight Dynamics

Flight Data Analysis

Guidance and Controls Performance Analysis

Matlab object-oriented programming

Education

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

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

• 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).

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