Weapon System Accuracy Analyst

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking Weapon System Accuracy Analysts to evaluate planning and evaluation for national strategic deterrents. You will join a team of engineers, physicists, software developers, and mathematicians serving as independent evaluators for critical defense programs.

You will model inertial navigation and missile dynamics, design experiments to validate models, and build computational tools to support important reports and deliverables.

Qualifications

• PhD in applied math, statistics, physics, engineering, or related field.
• Strong programming skills in C++, MATLAB, or Python.
• Experience in data analysis, statistical estimation, or physics-based modeling.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Model Inertial Navigation Systems: develop and refine accelerometer/gyroscope models and error propagation.
• Model Dynamics of Missile and Reentry Systems: study aerodynamics and fuzing mechanisms.
• Design Experiments: lead flight and ground test design for data collection and model validation.
• Architecture Development: set accuracy requirements and evaluate progress during development.
• Perform Statistical Validation: use real data to estimate physics-based errors and model fit.
• Build Computational Frameworks: create tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python for analyses.
• Evaluate and Communicate System Accuracy: assess current systems and support future designs.

Skills

C++

MATLAB

Python

Data analysis

Statistical estimation

Physics-based modeling

Architecture development

Communication skills

Education

PhD in applied math / applied statistics / physics / engineering

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking Weapon System Accuracy Analysts to evaluate planning and evaluation for national strategic deterrents. You will join a team of engineers, physicists, software developers, and mathematicians serving as independent evaluators for critical defense programs.

You will model inertial navigation and missile dynamics, design experiments to validate models, and build computational tools to support important reports and deliverables.