Senior Hypersonic Missile Performance & Flight Lead

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 Senior Missile Performance & Flight Systems Engineer to lead modeling, simulation, and performance assessments of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will guide system-level trade studies, participate in conceptual design, and work with sponsors to inform critical decisions.

You will mentor engineers, develop new analytical methods, and contribute to test planning and evaluation activities across multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical engineering or related field.
• At least 10 years of professional engineering experience.
• Strong modeling, simulation, and analysis background in missile/aerospace systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and technical studies.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Python for analyses.
• Ability to communicate complex results to leaders and sponsors.
• Willingness to travel 10–20 days per year and obtain clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead modeling, simulation, and performance analyses for missile systems and hypersonic vehicles.
• Direct system-level trade studies and conceptual design analyses.
• Develop advanced simulation tools to assess vehicle performance.
• Provide technical leadership across disciplines and reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide independent assessments for sponsors.
• Coordinate investigations and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Missile systems

Hypersonic flight

Modeling & simulation

Flight dynamics

Guidance & control

Propulsion

Trade studies

Technical leadership

Mentoring engineers

Education

B.S. in Aerospace/Mechanical

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Simulink

C/C++

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Missile Performance & Flight Systems Engineer to lead modeling, simulation, and performance assessments of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will guide system-level trade studies, participate in conceptual design, and work with sponsors to inform critical decisions.

You will mentor engineers, develop new analytical methods, and contribute to test planning and evaluation activities across multidisciplinary