Missile Modeling & Flight Test Lead

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 an engineer to support missile and reentry systems for national defense. You will develop modeling tools, plan flight tests, and collaborate with sponsors and industry partners to ensure requirements are met.

Required BS in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with missiles or similar systems, and an active security clearance. Travel up to 20 days/year; TS eligibility preferred.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with large strategic missiles or similar weapons system.
• Strong background in missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, control, propulsion, optimization, or test and evaluation.
• Strong programming skills: C/C++, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, FORTRAN or similar.
• Willingness to travel 10–20 days/year.
• Active Secret level clearance with eligibility for Top Secret.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize missile system modeling and simulation tools for trade studies, performance assessments, and flight test trajectory planning.
• Become an expert on the D5 SWS and its performance modeling tools.
• Collaborate with sponsors and industry partners to ensure requirements are met.
• Participate in missile flight test planning and evaluation activities.
• Lead and contribute to analysis efforts; communicate results to partners.

Skills

missile modeling & simulation

aerodynamics

flight dynamics

missile guidance

navigation

control

propulsion

optimization

test & evaluation

C/C++

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

FORTRAN

Education

B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field

M.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

3Dof/6DoF simulations

configuration management tools

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an engineer to support missile and reentry systems for national defense. You will develop modeling tools, plan flight tests, and collaborate with sponsors and industry partners to ensure requirements are met.

Required BS in aerospace or mechanical engineering, experience with missiles or similar systems, and an active security clearance. Travel up to 20 days/year; TS eligibility preferred.