Link Margin/Test Range Planning Engineer

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

Job summary

A leading research institution in Laurel, Maryland, is seeking an experienced Range Planning Engineer to analyze telemetry performance and support flight tests. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include developing advanced range systems and collaborating with teams to tackle engineering challenges. The position offers a competitive salary between $100,000 and $245,000 annually, based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in relevant engineering roles.
• Experience conducting and briefing technical analysis.
• Willing to travel for meetings and field tests.

Responsibilities

• Lead link margin analysis efforts for test sponsors.
• Participate in flight test activities and evaluations.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams on engineering challenges.

Skills

RF communications design or analysis

MATLAB programming

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to interact with diverse individuals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering

M.S. in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Python

Job description

About the Role

Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a well rounded team in a dynamic environment? If so, we are seeking an engineer to analyze link margin and telemetry performance during flight tests, perform instrumentation trade studies, and develop concepts for range and instrumentation systems needed to assess the performance of strategic missile, hypersonic weapons, and reentry systems. As a Range Planning Engineer you will also provide onsite support to test events.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to link margin analysis efforts for a variety of test sponsors.
• Participate in flight test activities including test operations planning and pre‑ and post‑flight evaluations.
• Develop concepts for advanced range and mobile systems to support emerging hypersonic vehicle test programs.
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate results to team members and government partners.
• Collaborate with cross‑discipline teams to advise government and contractor partners on engineering challenges and design trades.
• Support development of analysis tools.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline and 5+ years of professional experience.
• Have experience conducting, documenting, and briefing technical analysis.
• Have experience in RF communications design or analysis, particularly in the areas of telemetry or satellite communications signals.
• Have a programming background, including MATLAB programming skills.
• Are able to interact effectively with individuals of different experience levels and backgrounds, including industry, government, and military personnel.
• Are willing and able to travel to attend meetings and field tests at other government and contractor sites.
• Will be comfortable working in closed area facilities.
• Have strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a M.S. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on RF communication signals, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Have 3+ years of experience in RF communications design or analysis.
• Have experience with Python.
• Analytical experience with various telemetry modulations and coding schemes used in flight testing.
• Currently have a Top Secret Clearance.

Benefits and Compensation

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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].