GN&C Missile Engineer

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 (APL) seeks a GN&C missile engineer to design, model, and evaluate fast, nonlinear missile systems and associated navigation challenges. You will work on high-accuracy GN&C in GPS-contested environments and develop software to support data products and technical opinions.

Qualifications include a STEM degree and 2+ years in estimation methods, inertial navigation, flight dynamics, or guidance; proficiency in Matlab or C++, and willingness

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or Physics (or related field)
• 2+ years in estimation methods, covariance analysis, inertial navigation, flight dynamics, control laws or guidance
• Interest and willingness to work on missile systems
• Experience in Matlab or C++, willingness to learn Simulink
• Willing to travel (<10%) for Sponsor meetings
• Eligibility for interim secret clearance with US citizenship; eventual Top Secret clearance

Responsibilities

• Conduct GN&C subsystem trade studies, designs, and analyses for next generation missile systems.
• Develop 6 DOF models and integrate them into simulations.
• Design and implement high-fidelity navigation estimation algorithms, including Kalman Filters.
• Assess pre-flight and post-flight performance using telemetry from IMU, GPS, RADAR and other sensors.
• Design, develop, integrate, test, and use software to conduct analyses that inform technical opinions.
• Present work to Sponsors and internal/external audiences at working groups and program reviews.

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)?

Do you enjoy modeling and analyzing inertial navigation systems and other sensors, and have experience with optimal fusion and estimation methodologies? Are you interested in working on cutting edge next generation Hypersonic and Ballistic missile systems that are critical to the survivability of the United States?

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

We are seeking a dedicated GN&C engineer, with an emphasis on Navigation, to design, model, and evaluate missile systems. These weapon systems come with an enormous GN&C challenge: They fly VERY fast with short time-constant nonlinear dynamics and require high accuracy even in GPS contested environments. We as a nation need to rise to this challenge, and we need you to do it!

As a GN&C Missile Engineer, your primary responsibilities could include any combination of the following (depending on skills and interests)...

• Conduct GN&C subsystem trade studies, designs, and analyses for next generation missile systems, including one or more of the following:
  • 6 DOF model development and integration
  • High-fidelity navigation optimal estimation algorithm design, primarily using Kalman Filters
  • Performance prediction
  • Both high fidelity (e.g. physics-based) and low fidelity (e.g. parameterized) sensor modeling
• Assess the performance of existing missile GN&C subsystems, including one or more of the following:
  • Pre-flight performance prediction using 6 DOF models, covariance analysis, etc...
  • Post-flight performance evaluation by analyzing flight telemetry collected from sensors, including Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, RADAR, and other sensor systems.
  • Develop, implement, and assess potential algorithm improvements
• Design, develop, integrate, test, and use software to conduct technical analyses that inform APL's technical opinions and/or generate data products
• Present work to a broad internal audience as well as Sponsors and external organizations at working groups, post-flight briefings, and program reviews.

Qualifications

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

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field)

• Have 2 or more years of relevant technical experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Estimation Methods (Extended Kalman, Unscented, and/or Particle Filters)

  • Covariance Analysis

  • Inertial Navigation

  • Flight Dynamics

  • Control Law design

  • Guidance/path planning

• Have an interest and willingness to work on missile systems
• Have experience in Matlab or C++. Willingness to learn Simulink
• Are willing and able to support occasional travel (< 10%) for Sponsor meetings
• Are able to obtain an interim secret level security 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 one of the following combinations of work experience and degree (in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or closely related technical field)
  • BS + 5 years, or
  • MS + 3 years, or
  • PhD
• Prior work experience in Strategic weapon systems, including Hypersonic or Ballistic missile systems
• Have demonstrated technical leadership of a team
• Currently hold an active Secret or higher level clearance

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