GNC Systems Engineer: Autonomy & Flight Dynamics

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking motivated engineering students for hands-on work in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). You will learn to apply control and estimation theory to design, model, and analyze GNC systems for aerospace applications.

Opportunities include developing guidance algorithms, performing modeling and simulation, designing test capabilities, and contributing to internally funded research projects on next‑generation missile

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher.
• Experience in control, state estimation, flight dynamics, or related modeling/simulation.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C++.
• Able to obtain Interim Secret clearance with potential for Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate guidance, flight controls, and navigation for next‑generation missiles.
• Model, simulate, and assess performance of guided missile systems from concept to flight test.
• Design and build test capabilities for advanced control actuation hardware.
• Contribute to internally‑funded R&D projects to close performance gaps.

Skills

Control systems

State estimation

Flight dynamics

Astrodynamics

Modeling & simulation

Hardware design

Robotics

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering

BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering

BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C++

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking motivated engineering students for hands-on work in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). You will learn to apply control and estimation theory to design, model, and analyze GNC systems for aerospace applications.

Opportunities include developing guidance algorithms, performing modeling and simulation, designing test capabilities, and contributing to internally funded research projects on next‑generation missile