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Spacecraft Mission Analyst

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 6/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/26/2026
Description

Are you an engineer with a passion for supporting scientific discovery and National Defense through spacecraft operations?

Do you have a background in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or relevant experience in spacecraft mission operations?

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

We are seeking out a spacecraft mission analyst to help us maintain our current missions as well as develop future missions and capabilities in both the civilian and National Security space mission areas. You'll be joining a team that is at the forefront of mission operations. We strive for an environment of collaboration and analytical thinking in order to execute some of the most challenging missions in operation today and in the future. Our missions span the solar system from close-approach solar observatories to platforms enabling scientific discovery beyond the Kuiper Belt! As a team member you will contribute to ensuring the overall health and safety of complex space and ground systems that enable scientific breakthroughs, monitor our environment, and contribute to National Defense.

As a Spacecraft Mission Analyst...

  • You will support spacecraft operations from proposal through end of mission.
  • Your responsibilities will be to build and test command plans, create and test procedures and command templates, maintain the hardware-in-the-loop ground simulator, collaborate with subsystem and/or payload engineers, support real-time operations and write mission operations documents.
  • You will work on multiple missions.
  • You will participate in system testing activities

Qualifications

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

  • Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or other technical field and have equivalent experience in spacecraft operations.
  • Have four or more years of experience in spacecraft operations, spacecraft testing or ground system experience.
  • Have a working understanding of spacecraft subsystems and payloads.
  • Have an understanding of spacecraft command and control systems.
  • Are willing to work shift work and weekends as required, work occasional extended hours for time-sensitive activities.
  • Are willing to work a significant portion of the time in a closed environment, as called for by designated objectives.
  • 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 five or more years of experience in spacecraft operations.
  • Have a Master's degree in a related engineering field.
  • Have worked as a subsystem or ground system lead on a space-based project.
  • Have experience with analysis tools such as MATLAB, STK, and GitLab
  • Have experience in planning and scheduling of spacecraft activities.
  • Currently possess or are able to obtain a Top Secret or above US Government security clearance
  • Are familiar with National Security Space systems.

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 athttps://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 contactAccessibility@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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

 

Salary : $100,000 - $245,000

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