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Senior Missile Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 12/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/13/2026
Description

Are you interested in the development and evaluation of our nation 's premier missile systems?
 
Do you enjoy solving challenging problems with a complementary team of engineers?
 
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an engineer to help us develop performance requirements and plan test & evaluation activities on Navy strategic missile systems. You will perform trade studies, performance assessments, and support conceptual design studies of missile and other flight systems. As a member of the team, you will also use modeling and simulation tools and participate in the integration, testing, and evaluation of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles. You will also serve as a trusted advisor to our government partners.

As a Missile Test & Evaluation Engineer you will...
  • Utilize missile system modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of missile systems and hypersonic vehicles
  • Develop performance requirements and evaluation plans for in-development missile systems
  • Perform missile system test and evaluation, primarily in support of the Navy and Air Force strategic and hypersonic missile programs, including assessments of performance, reliability, and maintainability issues
  • Advise government partners on test & evaluation planning and strategy
  • Evaluate data products and flight test telemetry to determine missile and reentry body performance during flight tests and submarine deterrent patrol
  • Support other group tasking in the areas of missile and reentry body modeling and simulation, range systems evaluation, and field site support for flight tests
  • Perform reliability modeling related to missile and reentry systems
  • Document and present analysis findings as appropriate and interact with sponsors and representatives of other agencies
  • Support test operations at field sites during SSBN submarine shakedown operations and missile flight tests

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. in aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline with at least 5 years experience specific to missile systems or subsystems
  • Have technical knowledge of key missile subject areas such as flight/ground testing, modeling & simulation, aerodynamic performance, flight dynamics, guidance, flight control, and/or propulsion
  • Have experience in requirements development for large systems, including using DOORS or similar requirements management tools
  • Have a strong computer background and programming skills, including MATLAB
  • Are comfortable interacting effectively with individuals of different experience levels and backgrounds including external industry and military personnel
  • Have strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Have initiative, interest in skill development and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
  • Are able to travel for meetings and field tests (approx. 20-25 days per year)
  • Have a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level 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 a M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical engineering with 10 years of experience specific to the test & evaluation of missile systems
  • Have a strong background in missile body functional, aerodynamic, and interface performance requirements
  • Have experience programming in Simulink and/or C/C
  • Have experience using optimal control software packages such as OTIS, POST or GPOPS
  • Have experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations
  • Have design experience with missiles and related subsystems
  • Have had previous experience with Navy / Air Force strategic missile and/or reentry systems, including Trident, Minuteman, or Sentinel

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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