Space Situational Awareness Analyst: Modeling & Simulation

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); 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 Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, seeks a Space Situational Awareness Analyst to design and run mathematical models, simulations, and decision-support tools for tracking, estimation, and mission planning.

You will prototype Python algorithms, test estimation methods, quantify uncertainty, and communicate results to sponsors and teams, contributing to space domain awareness and critical defense space missions.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a quantitative field as listed.
• 2+ years of professional experience building and testing models, simulations, or algorithms.
• Background in estimation theory, Bayesian inference, or related areas.
• Proficiency with Python for analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Ability to articulate results and uncertainty clearly.
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance with US citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Design and run mathematical models and simulations for tracking, estimation, prediction, uncertainty, and decision-making.
• Write Python code to prototype algorithms, evaluate performance, and produce technical results.
• Develop analysis plans, 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.
• Collaborate with experts in related fields and present results to teams and sponsors.
• Contribute methods that improve decision support under uncertainty.

Skills

Python

Estimation theory

Bayesian inference

Statistical signal processing

Communication skills

Education

MS or PhD in Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Statistics, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Python

C++

MATLAB

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, seeks a Space Situational Awareness Analyst to design and run mathematical models, simulations, and decision-support tools for tracking, estimation, and mission planning.

You will prototype Python algorithms, test estimation methods, quantify uncertainty, and communicate results to sponsors and teams, contributing to space domain awareness and critical defense space missions.