Physics-Based Weapon Systems Analyst

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Weapon System Analyst to advance physics-based modeling and statistical inference for defense capabilities. You will work with engineers, physicists, and mathematicians to validate models and support testing of current and future weapon systems.

You will develop high-fidelity models, design experiments, and apply statistical validation using real-world data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Math, Applied Statistics, Engineering, or closely related field.
• 1+ years of professional experience in data analysis or physics-based modeling.
• Strong foundational skills in C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Solid grasp of linear algebra, calculus, and basic probability/statistics.
• Willingness to learn complex physical systems and read technical documentation.
• Eligibility for Interim Secret clearance with potential to obtain Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine high-fidelity physics-based models of complex systems (e.g., inertial navigation and missile/reentry dynamics).
• Lead experimental design for flight and ground tests to optimize data collection for model validation and parameter estimation.
• Perform statistical validation using real-world data to estimate physics-based errors and model performance.
• Apply advanced statistical techniques to infer physical properties or errors from observed data.
• Build computational frameworks by developing tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python for analyses and reports.
• Assess current weapon systems' accuracy and assist in engineering future systems to meet mission needs.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Python

Statistics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics

Bachelor's degree in Applied Math

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Applied Statistics

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Weapon System Analyst to advance physics-based modeling and statistical inference for defense capabilities. You will work with engineers, physicists, and mathematicians to validate models and support testing of current and future weapon systems.

You will develop high-fidelity models, design experiments, and apply statistical validation using real-world data.