National Airspace Safety Research Scientist & Technical Lead

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a National Airspace Safety Research Scientist & Technical Lead to define and execute an applied research agenda in aviation safety and security. You will guide interdisciplinary teams to translate sponsor needs into actionable research and demonstrate impact in NAS operations.

This role focuses on evidence-based safety-critical AI/ML and autonomous systems, field-data analysis, modeling, simulation, and prototypes that move research

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and at least five years of NAS/aviation safety experience.
• Experience leading technically complex research from problem to recommendations.
• Hands-on modeling, simulation, and data analysis with Python/MATLAB/C/C++.
• Strong communication and multidisciplinary sponsorship-facing skills.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret, then Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape NAS safety research including new autonomous and AI-enabled systems.
• Translate sponsor needs into research questions, milestones and outcomes.
• Direct modeling, simulation, data analysis and experimentation to assess safety.
• Advance safety assurance methods for AI/ML and autonomous systems.
• Guide development of monitoring, prediction, estimation, decision-making and control.
• Lead interdisciplinary scientists; mentor staff and set priorities.
• Move research toward application via prototypes, demonstrations and flight tests.
• Present findings to sponsors; publish and contribute to new proposals.

Skills

NAS safety research

Team leadership

Data analysis

Modeling & simulation

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Communication

Security clearance readiness

Education

Master's degree in aerospace engineering / systems engineering / CS / EE / applied mathematics

PhD candidate nearing completion

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Do you want to lead research that makes the National Airspace System (NAS) safer as new autonomous and AI-enabled capabilities emerge?Are you energized by translating rigorous analysis into practical solutions for aviation mission owners?

APL's Critical Infrastructure Protection Group is seeking a National Airspace Safety Research Scientist and Technical Lead to define and execute an applied research agenda in aviation safety and security. You will combine deep airspace expertise with the ability to guide interdisciplinary teams working on the safe integration of trusted systems into the NAS.

Our group develops capabilities that move beyond the laboratory into operational settings. Our work spans modeling and simulation, field-data analysis, monitoring, prediction, estimation and control, and systems integration. You will have opportunities to use and help shape research facilities such as our CYPRESS Laboratory.

As a National Airspace Safety Research Scientist & Technical Lead, you will...

• Lead and shape research on NAS safety, including emerging airspace operations and the integration of trusted autonomous and AI/ML-enabled systems.
• Translate sponsor and mission-owner needs into research questions, technical approaches, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Direct modeling, simulation, data analysis, and experimentation to evaluate system behavior, risks, resilience, and operational safety.
• Advance methods to establish evidence, justification, and confidence in safety-critical AI/ML and autonomous systems.
• Guide the development and evaluation of monitoring, prediction, estimation, decision-making, and control approaches for aviation safety.
• Lead interdisciplinary scientists and engineers; mentor junior staff, review technical work, and help set research priorities.
• Move promising research toward application through prototypes, integration demonstrations, field-data collection, and flight testing as appropriate.
• Present findings and recommendations to sponsors and technical audiences; publish research and contribute to proposals for new investigations.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Masters in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or another field related to the duties as described above, and at least five (5) years of experience.
• Have substantive research or engineering experience involving the NAS, aviation safety, air traffic management, aircraft collision avoidance, or airspace integration.
• Can lead technically complex research from problem formulation through analysis, validation, and clear recommendations.
• Have hands-on experience in modeling, simulation, and data analysis, with proficiency in at least one relevant programming environment (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
• Bring strong communication, collaborative leadership, and systems-thinking skills to multidisciplinary and sponsor-facing work.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secretlevel 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...

• Are a Ph.D. candidate nearing completion with a demonstrated record of independent research.
• Have expertise in safety assurance, decision-making under uncertainty, trusted autonomy, AI/ML, or robust monitoring, prediction, and control.
• Have experience with operational aviation data, integrated testing, flight testing, or transitioning research into operational systems.
• Have a record of peer-reviewed publications, competitive research proposals, or external technical leadership.
• Hold an active Secret or higher U.S. security 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