Space AFSIM Developer: C++ & Simulation Plugins

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL); Laurel (NE); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a senior developer to design, implement, and integrate AFSIM plugins and space-focused simulations. You will work on orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, EW, and multi‑domain effects, extending the framework with modular C++ components.

Collaborate across teams to validate models, connect AFSIM to STK, MATLAB, and Python pipelines, and incorporate real-world data and threat representations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or closely related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of strong C++ experience for framework-level development and plugin implementation.
• 3+ years of hands-on AFSIM experience including scenario creation, plugin work, model integration, or core framework extensions.
• Background in modeling and simulation in aerospace/space or mission-level multi-domain environments.
• Familiarity with object-oriented design, modular architectures, and simulation development best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for collaborative work.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance (start) and qualify for TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.
• Preferred: space-domain modeling, scripting in Python/MATLAB/Lua, knowledge of EW, cyber effects, multi-domain operations.
• Experience with tools like STK or NGTS; DoD/Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs; AFSIM tooling familiarity.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space-focused simulations (orbital dynamics, satellites, sensing, comms, EW, multi-domain effects).
• Extend the AFSIM framework via its C++ architecture to enable new capabilities, data connections, and behaviors.
• Create and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic for rapid evaluation of design options.
• Verify and validate models against reference data, engineering models, or higher-fidelity tools.
• Run simulations, analyze outputs, and produce visuals and metrics for decision support.
• Connect AFSIM with tools like STK, MATLAB, and Python-based pipelines for hybrid workflows and post-processing.
• Incorporate real-world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into the simulation environment.
• Contribute documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing across the modeling community.

Skills

C++

AFSIM

Modeling & Simulation

Object-oriented design

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Physics/Math or related

Tools

STK

NGTS

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a senior developer to design, implement, and integrate AFSIM plugins and space-focused simulations. You will work on orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, EW, and multi‑domain effects, extending the framework with modular C++ components.

Collaborate across teams to validate models, connect AFSIM to STK, MATLAB, and Python pipelines, and incorporate real-world data and threat representations.