Mission Performance Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Mission Performance Engineer to analyze, develop and prototype next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies for strategic missions. You will join a collaborative team driving innovation, challenging work, and personal development.

You will produce reports and presentations communicating findings to sponsors and partners, while advancing system level objectives across the program’s mission

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Familiarity with flight vehicle physics and dynamics.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools.
• Programming in MATLAB, Python, and/or other high performance languages.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop hypersonic and reentry system designs and prototypes for strategic missions.
• Develop modeling and simulation tools to analyze ballistic missiles, hypersonic vehicles, and reentry systems.
• Perform trade studies and performance assessments of conceptual designs across mission spaces.
• Own and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation models and enhance their runtime performance.

Skills

Modeling & simulation

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Flight dynamics

Education

Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Simulink

High-performance languages

Job description

Description

Are you interested in modeling and simulation of complex flight systems and strategic missions?

Do you want to become an expert in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?

Do you want to make contributions to next generation strategic flight systems that accelerate the readiness of our Nation's defenses?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team.

We are seeking a Mission Performance Engineer to help us analyze, develop and prototype next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to system level objectives and advance the development of these next generation systems. You will be joining a collaborative team who is passionate about innovation, committed to providing engaging challenging work, and promoting personal development.

Responsibilities

• You will collaborate with cross-discipline teams to develop advanced hypersonic and reentry system designs and prototypes for strategic missions
• You will develop the modeling and simulation tools used to analyze a variety of ballistic missiles, hypersonic vehicles, and reentry systems
• You will perform trade studies and performance assessments of conceptual designs across their mission space.
• You will own and maintain high-fidelity flight simulation models while enhancing their runtime performance and efficiency
• You will produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members, external organization partners, and government sponsors

Qualifications

Mandatory qualifications:

• Have a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Have familiarity with flight vehicle physics and dynamics.
• Have experience working with or developing modeling and simulation tools.
• Have experience programming in MATLAB, Python, and/or other high performance scientific languages.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level 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.

Bonus qualifications:

• Have previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles.
• Have 5+ years experience in flight vehicle modeling and simulation, flight dynamics, and/or mission level engagement scenarios.
• Have experience with Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization tools.
• Have experience with AFSIM.
• Have experience programming in Simulink, C, and/or C++.
• Hold an active Secret or higher level 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.

Why Work at APL?

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually