Senior Concept Engineer, Defense Systems & Optimization

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD, is seeking a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to shape next-generation missile and defense concepts. You will work on system-of-systems studies, optimization, and physics-based models with autonomy and impact.

Applicants should have a PhD in aerospace or related field, experience in aerospace disciplines, strong programming (MATLAB/Python/C++), and the ability to obtain security clearances.

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.
• Experience in trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling and analysis, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
• Ability to translate real-world problems and constraints into mathematical models and draw meaningful conclusions from numerical results.
• Demonstrated ability to independently tackle unfamiliar, open-ended technical problems.
• Proficiency in a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance to start and a final Top Secret/ SCI level security clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multidisciplinary trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies to develop and evaluate next-generation missile and weapon concepts.
• Analyze problems spanning missile design and performance, mission planning, fire control and weapon scheduling, ballistic missile defense, anti-air warfare, hypersonic defense, defensive space control, and early-stage hardware design.
• Formulate, develop, and implement state-of-the-art physics-based/empirical models for conceptual design and performance analysis of U.S. and adversary weapon systems.
• Distill complex technical analysis into actionable insights; communicate findings to technical experts, executive management, and government sponsors to inform critical technical and programmatic decisions.
• Translate operational needs and real-world constraints into mathematical formulations suitable for modeling, simulation, and optimization.
• Identify and adapt cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to bring new approaches to complex defense challenges.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C++

Education

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD, is seeking a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to shape next-generation missile and defense concepts. You will work on system-of-systems studies, optimization, and physics-based models with autonomy and impact.

Applicants should have a PhD in aerospace or related field, experience in aerospace disciplines, strong programming (MATLAB/Python/C++), and the ability to obtain security clearances.