Simulation & Physics Software Engineer for ISRT Scientific Applications

Description

Are you a software engineer, engine programmer, or low-level C++ engineer who enjoys building core technology for complex real-time software?

Do you enjoy implementing high-performance code, optimizing mathematical models, and turning complex physical problems into reliable, high-fidelity software systems?

Do you want to advance US defense capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting?

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

We are seeking a Simulation & Physics Software Engineer to help us advance interactive 3D training and high-fidelity, physics-based interactive sensor simulation capabilities. You’ll join a multidisciplinary team moving ambitious ideas from early designs to robust, physics-driven simulation capabilities.

This is an opportunity to apply expertise in software engineering, engine architecture, and computational physics contributing to real-world Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISRT) missions.

As a Simulation & Physics Software Engineer ...

• Your primary responsibility will be to develop, test, and improve real-time software systems that support high-fidelity simulation, interactive 3D visualization, and complex scenario execution.
• You will implement and optimize performance-sensitive C++ software involving physics engines, rigid-body dynamics, fluid simulations, runtime architecture, distributed simulation, and real-time mathematical modeling.
• You will contribute to the development of models that simulate sensor-environment interactions (e.g., electromagnetic, acoustic, or optical) within a high-performance real-time framework.
• You will contribute to the evolution of foundational systems such as state management, physics synchronization, resource loading, serialization, platform abstraction, and simulation execution pipelines.
• You will integrate custom physics models, simulation components, rendering systems, data sources, and hardware interfaces into reliable, deterministic interactive capabilities.
• You will profile, debug, and optimize complex software systems across CPU, GPU, memory, networking, and real-time frame-budget constraints to ensure physical accuracy is maintained under high performance loads.
• You will work collaboratively within a technical team to build software that is performant, maintainable, and mathematically robust.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
• Have at least three years of relevant software development experience in real-time simulation, engine development, physics-based modeling, graphics, distributed systems, robotics, or related performance-sensitive software.
• Have significant experience developing clear and maintainable, high-performance C++ software for real-time, interactive, or simulation-heavy applications.
• Have professional experience developing, debugging, and optimizing software within Linux environments.
• Have experience working with software architectures for complex technical systems such as physics engines, simulation frameworks, distributed applications, or robotics systems.
• Have experience in one or more software areas such as memory management, multithreading, job systems, streaming, serialization, networking, or large-scale C++ architecture.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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...

• Have a Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
• Have experience as an engine programmer, physics programmer, or core technology programmer in a simulation or game industry context.
• Have expertise in Python and MATLAB for scripting, data analysis, or mathematical modeling, including experience working with Python and MATLAB bindings to C/C++.
• Have experience or a background in signal processing (e.g., digital signal processing, sensor data processing, or waveform analysis).
• Have experience with FPGA-based acceleration, RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access), or high-performance hardware-software integration.
• Have experience developing or heavily modifying proprietary physics engines, or working with low-level collision detection, rigid-body dynamics, or particle systems.
• Have experience with high-fidelity modeling such as fluid dynamics, multi-body dynamics, aerodynamics, or geospatial/terrain-based simulation.
• Have experience with distributed simulation, multiplayer networking, state synchronization, or deterministic simulation environments.
• Have experience modernizing, refactoring, or extending large C++ systems while supporting active users, prototypes, or mission operations.
• Hold an active Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI-level security clearance.

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