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Senior Missile Defense Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 9/25/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/19/2026
Description

Are you interested in exciting opportunities solving the most important challenges defending the United States, our forces, and our allies from air and missile threats?

 

If so, we’d love to have you join our team!

 

 

The Cross-Domain Battle Management Group is seeking an innovative and hard-working professional with a degree in a technical field. Join us to work in an exciting and collaborative environment where we tackle challenging, technical, national security problems. Our group specializes in bridging the missile defense and space domains, with the objective of building capabilities across the services to increase and maintain the Nation’s superiority in missile defense.

 

 

As a Senior Missile Defense Engineer, you will be...

  • Conducting research and development activities creating concepts that identify and fill gaps in the U.S. Defense systems
  • Implementing novel algorithms that redefine the state of the art in our nation's defensive systems
  • Developing sophisticated Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning approaches for solving complex problems
  • Crafting novel data fusion, object tracking, and discrimination improvements for distributed defensive concepts
  • Using modern programming languages to develop and test technical solutions
  • Developing operational concepts, constructing architectural solutions, analyzing requirements, and conducting trade studies -- within the context of a disciplined digital engineering development process.
  • Developing prototype capabilities and working with real-world systems to transition ideas to fielded systems
  • Testing contractor algorithm implementation against government performance requirements
  • Effectively communicating technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community
  • Contributing to a dynamic group culture that values participation in collaborative teams and activities, and dedication to continual improvement, innovation, and risk-taking

 


Qualifications

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

  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or similar degrees.
  • Are skilled in and/or can build programming skills in MATLAB, C , C, Python, Java, or similar.
  • Have at least 3 years of experience working with DoD Command and Control systems.
  • Hold an active Top Secret security 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 working knowledge of configuration management tools.
  • Have a working knowledge of Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM).
  • Have experience developing and applying descriptive models in SysML.
  • Have domain knowledge of Navy, Missile Defense Agency, or Air Force systems.
  • Have a Top Secret SCI 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 http://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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

  

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

$90,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$230,000 Annually

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000

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