PhD Aerospace Engineer — Hypersonics & Missile Systems Lead

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a PhD-level engineer to lead technical efforts in flight systems performance. You will model, simulate, and evaluate missile and hypersonic systems, driving innovation and solving complex problems.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and technical mentorship within a government-focused team. You will perform trade studies, conduct design analyses, and contribute to test and evaluation of deployed and in-development

Qualifications

• PhD required in aerospace, mechanical, or related STEM field.
• Strong background in missile modeling, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, guidance, navigation and control, propulsion, optimization, design, or test & evaluation.
• Proven ability to write technical reports.
• Experience with presentations and public speaking.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python.
• Experience with data analysis and problem solving.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Interim Secret, with potential Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools for trade studies and design evaluations of missile and hypersonic systems.
• Participate in test and evaluation activities, including test operations and pre/post flight evaluations.
• Use computational tools to analyze data and draw conclusions from trends and evidence.
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades.
• Communicate findings to team members and government partners.
• Evolve analysis methodologies and create novel solutions to problems in the field.
• Mentor staff in new techniques and problem-solving methods.

Skills

data analysis

public speaking

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

Simscape

C/C++

Git / GitLab

OTIS

POST

GPOPS

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a PhD-level engineer to lead technical efforts in flight systems performance. You will model, simulate, and evaluate missile and hypersonic systems, driving innovation and solving complex problems.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and technical mentorship within a government-focused team. You will perform trade studies, conduct design analyses, and contribute to test and evaluation of deployed and in-development