Flight Test Instrumentation and Range Systems Engineer

Description

Do you have a passion for the flight testing of rocket, missile, and hypersonic vehicle systems?

Are you searching for meaningful work supporting the defense of our Nation?

Then we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! 

We are seeking a Flight Test Instrumentation and Range Systems Engineer to help us plan and execute upcoming tests of strategic missiles, reentry systems, hypersonic weapons, and other test articles. You would bring your knowledge of a complex system of systems (instrumentation and sensors) to enable fast paced and reliable flight testing as a trusted technical partner on government programs. You would also lead the development of novel concepts for test range and instrumentation systems needed to assess the performance of a variety of flight systems. As a team member, you will also provide onsite support to test events.

We provide end‑to‑end instrumentation support for the nation’s most demanding flight test programs. From shaping data‑collection strategy in the planning stage to deploying on‑site at the mission operations center, remote ranges, and aboard naval ships. We ensure high‑quality data for every rocket, missile, and hypersonic test by coordinating and leading the documentation, planning, and execution of key portions of flight test operations. Our expertise guides both upgrades of legacy systems and the introduction of new sensor technologies, leveraging APL‑wide and industry collaborations to keep the government’s flight‑test missions on schedule and on target. 

What to Expect as a Flight Test Instrumentation and Range Systems Engineer

• Partner with mission planners early‑in test design to define what data must be captured, why it must be captured, and how objectives will be met
• Attend reviews and technical interchange meetings with or on behalf of Government Sponsors to provide SME input on data collection system design and utilization
• Provide Systems Engineering support for both legacy and new development flight test instrumentation systems
• Develop Subject Matter Expertise on a variety of specialized flight test instrumentation systems routinely used for weapon system testing
• Deploy to Test Ranges in support of pre-mission checkout and actual mission operations, in some instances serving in a test director role on-console
• Deploy on sea-based downrange assets and coordinate operations aboard in support of test data collection
• Conduct analysis on post-test data to evaluate the performance of test instrumentation
• Collaborate with experts across the Laboratory and industry to identify innovative solutions for new and emerging test requirements 
• Work is primarily conducted at our Laurel, MD campus
• Travel is required (local, domestic, and international) that will include day trips to local sponsor facilities, brief trips (~2-5 days) to contractor sites and sponsor venues, as well as opportunities for longer deployments to the field to support test operations. This may include occasional extended deployments (1+ month) at sea.

Qualifications

You'll meet our minimum qualifications with...

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience with flight test operations, telemetry, sensor integration, or high‑speed data acquisition
• Have knowledge of Flight Test Instrumenation and Range Systems technologies, such as GPS, telemetry, optics, and/or acoustic systems
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or analysis language—MATLAB and Python are especially useful
• Strong communication skills—clear writing, confident speaking, and the ability to work through ideas with teammates
• Ability to travel regularly, including to support occasional deployments at sea
• Are willing and able to travel to attend meetings and tests at other government and contractor sites (approximately six trips per year outside the local area and frequent trips to local sites) 
• Are comfortable working in closed area facilities
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a Master’s degree and have direct experience in test and evaluation, aerospace systems, or mission modeling
• Have knowledge of the Navy Trident II Strategic Weapon System and/or Air Force ICBM Systems
• Have hands‑on experience with flight test instrumentation, telemetry, sensor integration, or high‑speed data acquisition
• Have familiarity with Radar, acoustic data, optics, telemetry, time‑synchronization (e.g., IRIG‑B, GPS‑DO), or data‑format standards (CCSDS, STANAG)
• Have experience working in operations, testing, or rapid-response environments—military, academic, or civilian
• Have experience with Navy, Coast Guard, or Commercial Ships
• Currently have an active Top Secret Clearance
• Are eligible to obtain SCI and/or SAP access

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually