Senior Concept Engineer, Defense Systems & Weapons

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to lead multidisciplinary studies advancing next-generation missile concepts. You will develop models, analyze complex systems, and communicate results to sponsors and technical leadership.

Applicants should hold a Master’s in a relevant field, have 5+ years of experience, and be capable of translating real-world constraints into mathematical formulations.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience beyond academic research.
• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline (vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors).
• Experience in trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
• Ability to translate real-world problems into mathematical models and draw meaningful conclusions from results.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Interim Secret clearance eligibility by start date and ability to obtain TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies to develop next-gen missile concepts.
• Analyze missile design, mission planning, fire control, defense systems, and related challenges.
• Develop and implement physics-based or empirical models for design and performance analysis.
• Distill insights and communicate findings to technical teams, management, and sponsors.
• Translate operational needs into mathematical formulations for modeling and optimization.
• Identify cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to tackle defense challenges.

Skills

Open-ended problem solving

Independent work

Translate problems into models

Communication with sponsors

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Master's Degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer to lead multidisciplinary studies advancing next-generation missile concepts. You will develop models, analyze complex systems, and communicate results to sponsors and technical leadership.

Applicants should hold a Master’s in a relevant field, have 5+ years of experience, and be capable of translating real-world constraints into mathematical formulations.