Missile Modeling & Flight Test Planning Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, seeks an engineer focused on missile system challenges. The role involves developing simulation tools, planning missile flight tests, and collaborating with government and industry partners. Essential qualifications include a B.S. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, strong programming skills in languages like C/C++ and MATLAB, and an active Secret clearance. A competitive salary of $100,000 to $245,000 annually is offered, with opportunities for growth and skill development.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline required.
• Previous experience with large strategic missiles or similar weapons systems is essential.
• Strong scripting and programming skills in C/C++, MATLAB, Python, or similar is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize missile system modeling and simulation tools.
• Become an expert on the D5 SWS, including simulation tools for its performance.
• Conduct trades and assessments to inform design requirements for future missile systems.

Skills

Missile modeling and simulation

Aerospace Engineering

C/C++

MATLAB

Python

Strong communication skills

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

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 work with a large community of government, industry, and national partners to ensure the success of the Trident II (D5) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Strategic Weapons System (SWS), both the deployed system and future iterations. 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 D5 SWS, including modeling & simulation tools for its performance
• Work directly with sponsors and industry partners to inform current and future requirements
• Participate in missile flight test planning activities for current and in-development flight systems
• Conduct trades, assessments, and design studies to inform design requirements for future systems as well as inform utilization of the current systems
• Ensure rigorous understanding of SWS performance through detailed test planning and analysis
• Update planning tools to account for new system capabilities and work to develop the next generation of simulation tools that support this work
• 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

Qualifications

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Have previous experience with large strategic missiles or similar weapons systems
• 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. 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) and/or 6DoF simulations
• Currently have an active Top Secret clearance

Equal 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].

Compensation

Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually