Missile Modeling & Flight Test Planning Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading defense contractor is seeking an engineer for missile system performance and flight testing in Laurel, MD. The role involves developing simulation tools, participating in flight test activities, and collaborating with diverse teams. Candidates should hold a B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, have relevant experience, and possess strong programming skills. The position offers competitive compensation and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience with large strategic missiles or similar weapons system.
• Strong scripting and programming skills with C/C++, MATLAB, Python, or similar.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop missile system modeling and simulation tools.
• Participate in missile flight test planning activities.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams on engineering challenges.

Skills

C/C++

MATLAB

Python

FORTRAN

Missile modeling and simulation

Aerodynamics

Flight dynamics

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Description

Are you interested in the performance and flight testing of our nation's premier missile systems?

Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a well rounded team of engineers?

We are seeking an engineer to help us with the technical challenges associated with the missile and reentry systems deployed as part of our Nation's premier strategic ballistic missile systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to ensure the effectiveness of these systems, which typically contain nuclear warheads and are an integral part of the Nation's strategic deterrent. You will be joining a hardworking and well-rounded team of engineers who work to provide impactful technical solutions for current and future strategic missile and payload systems. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging and stimulating work. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration where everyone’s perspective is valued. Our team values communication, trust, integrity, and flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize missile system modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, flight test trajectory planning, and conceptual design studies of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles
• Become an expert on the Trident II (D5) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Strategic Weapons System (SWS), including modeling & simulation tools for its performance
• Participate in missile flight test planning activities for current and in development flight systems
• Update planning tools to account for new system capabilities
• Participate in missile test and evaluation activities to include test operations and pre/post flight evaluations
• Lead and contribute to analysis efforts
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and contractor partners on engineering challenges and design trades
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate results to team members and government partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Have previous experience with the large strategic missiles or similar weapons system
• Have a passion for an engineering discipline such as missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion, optimization, mechanical design, and/or test and evaluation
• Have strong scripting and programming skills with any of the following languages: C/C++, MATLAB, Python, Simulink, FORTRAN, or similar
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings at other government and contractor sites (10 to 20 days a year)
• Have strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Have initiative, interest in skill development, and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
• Have an active Secret level security clearance 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 Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Have 2+ years of experience in a missile or flight system engineering discipline such as modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion or missile test and evaluation
• Have software development experience, including the use of configuration management tools
• Have previous experience with the Trident II (D5) missile or similar weapons system
• Have experience using/developing 3-Degree of Freedom (3Dof) DoF and/or 6DoF simulations
• Currently have an active Top Secret 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 http://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