Missile Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation benefits

Education assistance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Missile Modeling and Simulation Engineer to design physics-based engagement tools for precision strike analysis across diverse scenarios. You will contribute to high-fidelity, modular 6DoF missile models and support threat assessments.

You will collaborate with aerodynamics, propulsion, GNC, and radar experts to extend modeling capabilities, enable analysts with robust software, and present technical results to sponsors.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Aerospace, Electrical or other Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics.
• Core contributor in missile/aerospace modeling and simulation.
• Strong programming in C++, Python and MATLAB.
• Proficiency in software version control and testing principles (unit/integration/regression).
• Willingness to learn missile systems concepts to improve tools and perform analyses.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date and eventual Top Secret clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Guide and implement missile modeling concepts into a modular 6DoF simulation for threat modeling and engagements.
• Develop and maintain analysis tools, pipelines, and workflows for engagement-level results.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance missile modeling and engagement analysis capabilities.
• Prepare and present formal documentation to technical partners and sponsors.
• Lead software engineering best practices: code reviews, CI, documentation, reusable libraries.
• Conduct physics-based analyses of missile systems against blue platforms.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB

Six-DoF sim

Missile modeling

Software version control

CI / CD

Documentation

Education

BS in technical field

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

AFSIM

TMAP

Job description

Description

Are you interested in improving the precision strike capabilities of the United States’ preeminent tactical weapon systems?

Description

Are you interested in improving the precision strike capabilities of the United States’ preeminent tactical weapon systems? Do you enjoy solving complex problems relating to the design and execution of physics-based modeling and simulation tools?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a Missile Modeling and Simulation Engineer to develop and design physics-based engagement-level simulation tools to support the analysis and characterization of precision strike weapon performance across a variety of employment scenarios and environments. You will join a well-rounded and hardworking team of analysts and engineers who support a wide range of government sponsors facing exciting challenges. As a member of our team, you will develop and use high-fidelity simulation tools to conduct physics-based engagement analyses, spanning a broad set of disciplines including (but not limited to): Aerodynamics, propulsion systems, GNC, radar systems, electronic warfare and more.

As a Missile Modeling and Simulation Software Engineer

• Your primary responsibility will be to guide and execute the implementation of missile modeling concepts into a modular C++ 6DoF simulation used to support threat modeling and blue strike weapon performance assessments.
• You will enable modelers and analysts via development and maintenance of analysis software tools, pipelines, and workflows needed to assess and interpret engagement-level results.
• You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of aerodynamicists, propulsion specialists, GNC experts, and more to develop and improve missile modeling and engagement analysis capabilities.
• You will prepare and present formal documentation to technical specialists, operational partners, and sponsors.
• You will lead software engineering best practices, including code reviews, continuous integration, documentation and the development of reusable libraries.
• You will conduct physics-based one-vs-one and one-vs-few analyses of threat missile systems against blue strike platforms.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a BS degree in a technical field such as Aerospace, Electrical or other Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
• Have experience as a core contributor in the modeling and simulation of missile systems and/or aerospace vehicles.
• Have strong programming skills in C++, Python, and MATLAB.
• Have proficiency in software version control and unit, integration, and regression testing principles.
• Are willing, able and passionate about learning missile systems concepts to improve modeling and simulation tools and to perform engagement-level analysis.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level government 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an MS or PhD degree in a technical field such as Aerospace, Electrical or other Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics.
• Have experience leading a multi-disciplinary team of software engineers to develop, test, and deploy high-fidelity physics-based simulation tools.
• Have experience in one or more of the following areas: air vehicle survivability analysis, susceptibility and vulnerability modeling, physics-based simulation software development, surface-to-air and air-to-air missile analysis.
• Have experience with Intel Community (MSIC, NASIC, ONI) threat interceptor (or strike weapon) models using AFSIM and/or TMAP.
• Hold an active Secret security 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