Missile Performance Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Missile Performance Engineer to help design and evaluate missile and hypersonic systems, developing modeling and simulation tools and supporting integration, testing, and evaluation. You will perform trade studies, participate in test activities, and collaborate with cross‑discipline teams to communicate results to government partners.

A U.S. citizenship security clearance is required, with potential to obtain Top Secret.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience in missile system engineering disciplines.
• Proficient in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Willing to travel 10–20 days/year.
• Eligible for security clearance (Secret), Top Secret in future.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop missile and hypersonic vehicle modeling and simulation tools.
• Conduct trade studies and performance assessments.
• Lead analysis efforts and collaborate with teams.
• Produce reports and presentations for government partners.
• Participate in test and evaluation activities.

Skills

Missile system modeling

MATLAB

Python

Strong communication skills

Security clearance

Willing to travel

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related

MS in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

Simulink

C/C++

OTIS

POST

GPOPS

Job description

Description

Are you interested in missile system design and working in the field of hypersonics?

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

If so, we're looking for somone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an engineer to help us perform trade studies, performance assessments, and support conceptual design studies of missile and other flight systems. As a member of the team, you will also develop modeling and simulation tools and participate in the integration, testing, and evaluation of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles.

As a Missile Performance Engineer you will...

• Develop and utilize missile system modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles
• 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 experience in a missile system engineering discipline such as missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion or missile test and evaluation
• Have strong computer experience and programming skills, including MATLAB and/or Python
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally to attend meetings or field tests at other government and contractor sites (10 to 20 days a year)
• Will be comfortable working in closed area facilities
• 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
• Hold 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 experience programming in Simulink and/or C/C++
• Have experience using optimal control software packages such as OTIS, POST or GPOPS
• Have experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations
• Have design experience with missiles and related subsystems
• 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 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 [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