National Security Modeling & Simulation Specialist

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a National Security M&S Analyst to apply mission-level modeling and simulation to national security problems. You will develop and run AFSIM-based analyses, translate operational questions into simulations, and support DoD-focused mission studies across contested environments.

Working in the Advanced Mission Modeling and AI Group (JAM) within NSAD, you will document assumptions and results for reproducibility and decision-making, collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, OR related technical field.
• At least three years in modeling and simulation or related analysis.
• Experience applying simulation tools to analyze complex systems.
• Familiarity with M&S frameworks (AFSIM, STK, NGTS, STORM).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to translate real-world problems into analysis.
• Able to communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Basic scripting or programming experience (e.g., Python).
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance with potential TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, and execute simulation analyses using frameworks such as AFSIM and related tools.
• Translate real-world operational questions into simulation scenarios and analyze outcomes to generate actionable insights.
• Support mission studies by evaluating system performance, force interactions, and operational effectiveness in contested environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate modeling results into broader analytic efforts.
• Document assumptions, methodologies, and results clearly to support reproducibility and decision-making.

Skills

Modeling & Simulation

Python scripting

Analytical thinking

Clear communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AFSIM

STK

NGTS

STORM

MBSE tools

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a National Security M&S Analyst to apply mission-level modeling and simulation to national security problems. You will develop and run AFSIM-based analyses, translate operational questions into simulations, and support DoD-focused mission studies across contested environments.

Working in the Advanced Mission Modeling and AI Group (JAM) within NSAD, you will document assumptions and results for reproducibility and decision-making, collaborating