Space Orbital Warfare Modeler

Description

Are you passionate about applying orbital mechanics, space systems engineering, and advanced modeling to solve some of the most challenging problems in contested space operations?

Do you thrive on transforming complex orbital warfare scenarios into rigorous simulations and actionable insights that inform critical national security decisions?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking a highly skilled Orbital Warfare Modeler to join a small, high-impact team developing advanced modeling and simulation capabilities for space orbital warfare scenarios. In this role, you will lead system-level trade space analyses. You will develop and run models based on physics for orbital mechanics and vehicle systems. You will deliver insights that inform important decisions in contested space environments. You will collaborate closely with engineers, clearly communicate complex technical concepts to stakeholders, and independently drive high-impact analyses in a fast-paced, mission-focused setting.

As a Space Orbital Warfare Modeler you will...

• Plan and complete large-scale system trade space analyses, performing trade studies and optimizing performance across competing constraints to derive meaningful conclusions.
• Develop, run, and analyze physics-based simulations of orbital and dynamic vehicle systems, including 6DoF models and closed-loop control scenarios.
• Conduct orbital maneuver design, trajectory analysis, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), relative motion modeling, and space domain awareness (SDA) assessments.
• Work with orbital data sets (TLEs, ephemerides), perform orbit determination and conjunction assessment, and account for uncertainty in tracking and orbital predictions.
• Document technical work, compose presentations, and convey results clearly to multiple audiences.
• Collaborate with a small team of engineers, including frequent group discussions and iterative problem-solving.

Qualifications

You meet the minimum qualifications for the position if you possess...

• A BS degree in a related technical field
• Familiarity with satellite orbits and spaceflight dynamics.
• 7+ years of demonstrated ability to plan and carry out extensive system evaluation studies and extract actionable insights, graduate level work considered. 
• Ability to think at the system level, including conducting comparative analyses and improving performance amid competing constraints.
• Ability to clearly explain complex technical ideas, assumptions, and trade-offs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to independently identify, frame, and execute on high-impact problems.
• Ability and willingness to collaborate within a tight-knit engineering group, attend regular team meetings, document work, develop presentations, and communicate results (written and verbal).
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly level 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.

You go above and beyond the minimum qualifications if you have...

• Experience in weapon system engineering or hardware-in-the-loop systems.
• Experience developing or using physics-based simulations of vehicle dynamic systems, including 6DoF simulations and modeling dynamic systems (e.g., closed-loop control).
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python; familiarity with C++; and experience working in Linux environments and high-performance computing (HPC) clusters.
• Experience with system modeling, simulation, or large-scale trade studies.
• Knowledge of EO/IR sensor systems and working understanding of EO/IR signature modeling.
• Familiarity with orbital maneuver design, trajectory analysis, rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), relative motion modeling, and spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) principles.
• Familiarity with space domain awareness (SDA), space object tracking, orbit determination, conjunction assessment, orbital data sets (e.g., TLEs, ephemerides), and the impact of tracking uncertainty on orbital predictions.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually