PhD Mission Planning & AI Research Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Research Engineer in Mission Planning & Artificial Intelligence to join multidisciplinary teams. You will develop algorithms, simulations, and AI solutions addressing national security challenges across air, missile, space, and multi-domain missions.

Ph.D. graduates with independent research experience and a track record in modeling, AI, and interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline.
• Proven independent research with complex problems.
• Experience with MATLAB or Python for modeling/analysis.
• Leadership of collaborative research projects.
• Clear technical communication in writing and presentations.
• Interdisciplinary teamwork and initiative.
• Eligible for Interim Secret/Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts advancing mission planning and decision-support.
• Develop algorithms, models, simulations, and AI techniques.
• Design/assess architectures supporting multiple mission areas.
• Perform analyses to evaluate capabilities and opportunities.
• Assess fidelity of modeling/simulation tools for operations.
• Collaborate with military operators to translate needs into solutions.
• Publish findings internally and shape future research strategy.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence.

Skills

Ph.D. in relevant field

Independent research

MATLAB/Python

Team leadership

Effective communication

Security clearance eligible

Education

Ph.D. in Systems/Engineering/CS/Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Research Engineer in Mission Planning & Artificial Intelligence to join multidisciplinary teams. You will develop algorithms, simulations, and AI solutions addressing national security challenges across air, missile, space, and multi-domain missions.

Ph.D. graduates with independent research experience and a track record in modeling, AI, and interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged to apply.