Space Situational Analytics 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 is seeking a Space Situational Awareness Analyst to design and run mathematical models and simulations for tracking, estimation, uncertainty, and decision-making problems. You will write Python code to prototype algorithms, evaluate performance, and produce clear technical results.

You will develop analysis plans, run sensitivity studies, and communicate findings while collaborating with experts in astrodynamics, sensing, autonomy, and

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field
• 2+ years of professional experience building and testing mathematical models, simulations, or algorithms
• Background in estimation theory, Bayesian inference, statistical signal processing, decision theory, optimization, probability and statistics, stochastic processes, or uncertainty quantification
• Proficiency with Python for analysis, modeling, simulation, and visualization
• Ability to take an incomplete problem, make reasonable assumptions, run the analysis, and explain both the results and the uncertainty
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Are able to obtain TS/SCI level 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and run mathematical models and simulations for tracking, estimation, prediction, uncertainty, and decision-making problems
• Write Python code to prototype algorithms, evaluate performance, and produce clear technical results
• Develop analysis plans for open questions, define metrics, run sensitivity studies, and communicate findings
• Test estimation and decision algorithms, validate results, quantify uncertainty, and explain operational impact
• Create frameworks that support sensor management, information fusion, and mission planning
• Work with experts in astrodynamics, sensing, autonomy, and mission operations
• Contribute methods that improve decision support and mission planning under uncertainty
• Share results through plots, briefings, short reports, and direct discussion with teams and sponsors

Skills

Python programming

Mathematical modeling

Communication skills

Space domain knowledge

Education

MS/PhD in Applied Mathematics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Space Situational Awareness Analyst to design and run mathematical models and simulations for tracking, estimation, uncertainty, and decision-making problems. You will write Python code to prototype algorithms, evaluate performance, and produce clear technical results.

You will develop analysis plans, run sensitivity studies, and communicate findings while collaborating with experts in astrodynamics, sensing, autonomy, and