Senior Hypersonic Missile Performance & Flight Systems Lead

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Missile Performance & Flight Systems Engineer to lead modeling, simulation, and performance assessment of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will guide system-level trade studies, develop advanced tools, and mentor engineers in a high-security environment.

You will collaborate with government sponsors and industry partners to evaluate performance, inform design decisions, and shape next-generation capabilities.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline with 10+ years of experience.
• Experience in missile/aerospace flight system disciplines: modeling, aerodynamics, guidance, propulsion or system performance analysis.
• Proven leadership of complex analyses and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in computational models and simulations for vehicle performance.
• Proficient in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
• Ability to exercise independent technical judgment and present defensible recommendations.
• Experience communicating findings to leadership and external partners.
• Collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams and external technical partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; mentoring interest.
• Willing to travel 10–20 days per year; capable in closed-area facilities.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance (Secret/Top Secret).

Responsibilities

• Lead modeling, simulation, and performance analysis for missile systems and hypersonic vehicles.
• Direct system-level trade studies and conceptual design analyses for informed engineering decisions.
• Develop and apply advanced missile/flight system simulations to assess performance.
• Provide technical leadership in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, guidance and control.
• Lead missile test and evaluation activities, including planning and post-flight assessments.
• Advise sponsors and industry partners with independent engineering assessments and risk reviews.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary investigations across engineering disciplines.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders and program leadership.
• Advance analytical methods and computational tools for team capabilities.
• Mentor less-experienced engineers and foster technical excellence.

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Multidisciplinary analysis

Modeling & simulation

Independent technical judgment

Mentoring

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical engineering

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

OTIS

POST

GPOPS

Simulink

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Missile Performance & Flight Systems Engineer to lead modeling, simulation, and performance assessment of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will guide system-level trade studies, develop advanced tools, and mentor engineers in a high-security environment.

You will collaborate with government sponsors and industry partners to evaluate performance, inform design decisions, and shape next-generation capabilities.