Senior Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer

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 (APL) seeks a Senior Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer to provide technical leadership in planning, execution, and analysis of test activities for developmental Navy and Air Force missile systems. You will mentor engineers and collaborate with government sponsors and industry partners.

You will shape performance requirements, evaluation strategies, and flight-test methodologies, delivering independent assessments that inform critical

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field, 10+ years aerospace systems experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary investigations, tests, or evaluations.
• Ability to develop/evaluate system performance requirements and test objectives.
• Strong analytical and computational skills, with MATLAB or Python experience.
• Ability to exercise independent technical judgment and defend engineering decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for high-level technical findings.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex test and evaluation efforts for Navy/Air Force missile programs.
• Develop performance requirements, evaluation methodologies, and test strategies.
• Provide independent assessments and technical guidance to sponsors.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams in investigations, data interpretation, and recommendations.
• Lead development of objectives, data collection, and analysis plans for flight tests.
• Develop and apply advanced modeling, simulation, and visualization tools.
• Prepare and present technical findings to sponsors and leadership.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical growth of the lab.

Skills

Flight dynamics

Aerodynamics

Propulsion

Guidance and control

System-level performance assessment

MATLAB

Python

Engineering analytics

Education

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

M.S./Ph.D. in related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Modeling & Simulation tools

Job description

Are you an experienced engineer passionate about advancing our Nation's strategic missile capabilities? Do you enjoy tackling complex technical challenges, leading multidisciplinary teams, and applying independent technical judgment to influence the development of critical defense systems?

Are you interested in playing a leadership role in the test and evaluation of the next generation of strategic missiles, reentry systems, and hypersonic weapons?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer to provide technical leadership in the planning, execution, and analysis of test and evaluation activities for developmental Navy and Air Force missile systems, including Trident and Sentinel. JHU/APL serves as a trusted technical partner to multiple government sponsors, providing independent assessments that inform critical system development and acquisition decisions.

In this role, you will lead complex technical investigations, shape performance requirements and evaluation strategies, and guide multidisciplinary teams in assessing missile system performance. You will work closely with government sponsors and industry partners, providing independent technical insight and recommendations throughout system development and flight testing. You will also have opportunities to mentor developing engineers and advance the Laboratory's analytical capabilities.

As a Senior Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer, you will...

• Lead complex test and evaluation efforts supporting Navy and Air Force strategic and hypersonic missile programs, including assessments of flight performance, comparisons with preflight predictions, requirements verification, and cumulative system performance evaluations.
• Provide technical leadership in the development of performance requirements, evaluation methodologies, and integrated test strategies for developmental missile and reentry systems.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to government sponsors, providing independent assessments, identifying technical risks, and recommending approaches to resolve complex system performance challenges.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in planning and executing technical investigations, interpreting test results, and developing recommendations that inform system design and program decisions.
• Guide the development of test objectives, data collection requirements, and analysis plans to ensure flight and ground tests effectively address critical technical questions.
• Direct the development and application of advanced modeling, simulation, analysis, and visualization tools to support system performance evaluations.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of technical findings, assessments, and recommendations to government sponsors, program leadership, and representatives of other agencies.
• Provide technical guidance during missile flight test operations and lead post-flight analysis efforts to evaluate system performance and inform subsequent development activities.
• Mentor junior engineers, promote technical rigor, and contribute to the growth of the team's expertise and analytical capabilities.
• Collaborate with technical experts across the Laboratory, government, and industry to address challenges involving missile and reentry body performance, modeling and simulation, range systems, and flight testing.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience in aerospace systems engineering, test and evaluation, or modeling and simulation.
• Have substantial technical experience in one or more areas of missile or aerospace system performance, including flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, guidance and control, or system-level performance assessment.
• Have demonstrated experience leading complex technical investigations, analysis efforts, or test and evaluation activities involving multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Have experience developing or evaluating system performance requirements, test objectives, evaluation methodologies, or technical assessments.
• Possess strong analytical and computational skills, including experience developing or applying engineering analysis tools using MATLAB, Python, or similar programming environments.
• Have demonstrated the ability to exercise independent technical judgment, evaluate competing technical considerations, and develop defensible engineering recommendations.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting complex technical findings to technical leadership, customers, or other stakeholders.
• Have demonstrated success collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and engaging effectively with government, industry, or other external technical partners.
• Have an interest in mentoring and developing less-experienced engineers and contributing to the technical growth of an organization.
• Are comfortable working in closed-area facilities and able to travel for meetings and field tests (approximately 25-30 days per year).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with 12+ years of relevant technical experience.
• Have extensive experience with the test and evaluation, modeling and simulation, or performance assessment of strategic missile systems, reentry systems, or hypersonic flight systems.
• Have demonstrated technical leadership of major test and evaluation efforts, including responsibility for evaluation strategies, technical execution, and delivery of independent assessments to government sponsors.
• Have a strong background in missile and reentry body functional, aerodynamic, and interface performance requirements, including experience evaluating system-level performance and design tradeoffs.
• Have experience with the design, development, or integration of missile and reentry body subsystems.
• Have previous experience supporting Navy or Air Force strategic missile and reentry systems, including Trident, Minuteman, or Sentinel.
• Have established relationships with government sponsors or demonstrated success serving as a senior technical advisor on major defense programs.
• Have experience developing new technical capabilities, mentoring engineers, or leading teams in the solution of complex engineering problems.
• Have an active Top Secret security clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually