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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research

Advanced Reentry Mission Engineer

Flight Dynamics & GNCConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeLaurel, MD, USAIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

  • Have a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Have 3 years of relevant experience in mission engineering, mission analysis, systems engineering, aerospace or mechanical engineering, operations analysis, modeling and simulation, or related defense or aerospace work.
  • Have experience developing, using, or interpreting mission-level models or analyses, trajectory simulations, engagement simulations, weapon effects analyses, trade studies, or performance assessments.
  • Have experience contributing to cross-functional technical teams of engineers, analysts, operators, or government stakeholders.
  • Be familiar with early concept development efforts, including capability gap assessments, mission performance trade studies, requirements analysis, and risk assessment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate technical results clearly in written reports, briefings, and discussions with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Hold an active Secret security clearance and be able to ultimately obtain Top Secret-level clearance; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, apply, and refine mission-level models and analysis tools to evaluate advanced reentry, hypersonic, and related defense system concepts.
  • Contribute to mission performance trade studies by translating mission objectives and system concepts into analysis approaches, measures of effectiveness, performance metrics, and simulation cases.
  • Run and interpret trajectory, weapon effects, engagement, and scenario-based simulations to assess system performance, operational utility, survivability, and sensitivity to key assumptions.
  • Support analysis of system-of-systems interactions, concepts of operations, mission timelines, threat environments, and capability gaps for emerging defense applications.
  • Develop, maintain, and document analysis workflows, model assumptions, data inputs, functional decompositions, and mission architecture artifacts that support design reviews and acquisition decisions.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of JHU/APL engineers, government sponsors, military operators, and industry partners to integrate analysis results into concept development and system design activities.
  • Produce reports, briefings, visualizations, and technical summaries that communicate mission analysis results, trade-space findings, uncertainties, and recommendations to technical and sponsor audiences.

Desired Qualifications

  • Have a master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Operations Research, or a related discipline.
  • Have knowledge of ballistic missile defense systems and their components, such as radars, interceptors, and command and control.
  • Have exposure to the design, development, modeling, simulation, or analysis of reentry, hypersonic, missile defense, or space systems and relevant technologies.
  • Have experience supporting technical engagement with government sponsors, defense industry partners, or other external collaborators.
  • Have knowledge of the Navy Trident II Strategic Weapon System and/or Air Force Minuteman III ICBM System.

About the Company

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges through technical expertise, prototyping, research and development, and analysis. It uses engineering, simulations, and studies to design prototypes and deliver analyses that support government and partner organizations. Unlike many commercial firms, APL operates as a non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins and focuses on mission-oriented research rather than selling finished products. Its goal is to provide practical, thoroughly tested solutions to public-sector customers by performing research, developing prototypes, and offering expert analysis.

Company size
5,001-10,000
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
United States
Founded
1942

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