Senior Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); Presencial; USD 100 000 - 245 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer to lead complex test programs for strategic missile systems. You will mentor engineers, guide evaluation methodologies, and deliver independent assessments to government sponsors.

You will collaborate across disciplines, develop test objectives, model and analyze flight performance, and present findings to leadership, ensuring rigorous technical standards and mission-focused results.

Qualificações

• B.S. in aerospace-related field with 10+ years of relevant experience in aerospace systems engineering, test and evaluation, or modeling and simulation.
• Experience leading complex investigations and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience developing or evaluating system performance requirements and evaluation methodologies.

Responsabilidades

• Lead complex test and evaluation efforts supporting missile programs, including flight performance assessments and requirements verification.
• Provide technical leadership in developing performance requirements, evaluation methodologies, and test strategies for missile systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with government sponsors and industry partners.

Conhecimentos

MATLAB

Python

Analytical skills

Independent technical judgment

Written and verbal communication

Leadership of multidisciplinary teams

Test and evaluation

Formação académica

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Ferramentas

Modeling & Simulation

Descrição da oferta de emprego

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 judgement to influence the development of critical defense systems? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

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

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.

Why Work at APL?

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].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually