Senior Advanced Concept Engineer — Clearance Eligible

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to tackle open-ended defense-related design problems, focusing on next-generation missile concepts and system-of-systems analysis.

You will work with sponsors and technical experts to translate operational needs into mathematical models, develop advanced analyses, and communicate actionable insights to inform program decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD, or soon to be awarded, in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline (vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors).
• Experience in trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling/analysis, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
• Ability to translate real-world problems into mathematical models and derive conclusions from numerical results.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance and final Top Secret/SCI clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multidisciplinary trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies for next-generation missile concepts.
• Analyze problems across missile design, mission planning, fire control, defense domains.
• Develop state-of-the-art physics-based/empirical models for conceptual design and performance analysis.
• Convey actionable insights to technical experts, executives, and sponsors to inform decisions.
• Translate operational needs into mathematical formulations for modeling and simulation.
• Adopt cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to address defense challenges.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C++

Aerospace knowledge

Optimization

GNC

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to tackle open-ended defense-related design problems, focusing on next-generation missile concepts and system-of-systems analysis.

You will work with sponsors and technical experts to translate operational needs into mathematical models, develop advanced analyses, and communicate actionable insights to inform program decisions.