Missile Modeling & Flight Test Planning Engineer

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

Description

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 join a hardworking and well‑rounded team of engineers who work to provide impactful technical solutions for current and future strategic missile and payload systems. 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. This includes designing flight test trajectories for the entire D5 flight test program. 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.

As a Missile Modeling & Flight Test Planning Engineer, you will...

• 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 are met
• Participate in missile flight test planning activities for current and in development flight systems
• Conduct trades, assessments, 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

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

• 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• 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

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