Mission Performance Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington area seeks a Mission Performance Engineer to analyze, model, and prototype next-generation hypersonic and reentry systems for strategic missions. You will own high-fidelity flight models, perform trade studies, develop simulation tools in MATLAB/Python and possibly Simulink/C++, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret/Top Secret clearance required; Master’s in

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 scientific languages.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain a Secret/Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

C/C++

Flight dynamics

Education

Master’s in Aerospace Eng

Tools

AFSIM

Job description

Job 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.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Familiarity with flight vehicle physics and dynamics.
• Experience working with or developing modeling and simulation tools.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, and/or other high‑performance scientific languages.
• Able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missiles, reentry systems, or hypersonic vehicles.
• 5+ years experience in flight vehicle modeling and simulation, flight dynamics, and/or mission level engagement scenarios.
• Experience with Multidisciplinary Design Analysis and Optimization tools.
• Experience with AFSIM.
• 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. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas.

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].

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $195,000 Annually