PhD Scientist – Missile Systems Modeling & Evaluation

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Weapons System Analyst with a PhD in a related field to join the System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group in the Force Projection Sector. You will model inertial navigation, missile dynamics, design experiments, and build robust analysis tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python to support critical defense programs.

You will collaborate with engineers, physicists, software developers, and mathematicians, travel as needed, and pursue

Qualifications

• PhD in applied math, applied statistics, physics, engineering, or closely related field.
• Strong foundation in C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Experience in data analysis, statistical estimation, physics-based modeling, or requirements/architecture development.
• Outstanding technical written and oral communication skills.
• Willing to travel to meetings and sponsor sites; can acquire Interim Secret clearance by start date; eligible for Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Model Inertial Navigation Systems: develop and refine accelerometer/gyroscope error models along flight paths.
• Model Dynamics of Missile and Reentry Systems: refine aerodynamics and fuzing mechanism models.
• Design Experiments: lead flight and ground test design for data collection and validation.
• Architecture Development: set accuracy requirements, evaluate progress during development.
• Statistical Validation: use real data to estimate physics-based errors and model performance.
• Build Computational Frameworks: develop tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python for reports.
• Evaluate and Communicate System Accuracy: assess current weapon system accuracy and inform future designs.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Python

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in applied math/physics/engineering

Job description

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Weapons System Analyst with a PhD in a related field to join the System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group in the Force Projection Sector. You will model inertial navigation, missile dynamics, design experiments, and build robust analysis tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python to support critical defense programs.

You will collaborate with engineers, physicists, software developers, and mathematicians, travel as needed, and pursue