2026 Graduate - Missile, Reentry, and Hypersonics Systems Performance

About the role

We are seeking engineers to help us with the technical challenges associated with the missile and reentry systems deployed as part of our Nation's premiere strategic ballistic missile and long range strike hypersonic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to ensure the effectiveness of these systems, which typically contain nuclear warheads and are an integral part of the Nation's strategic deterrent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of missile and reentry systems and/or hypersonic vehicles
• Participate in test and evaluation activities to include test operations and pre/post flight evaluations
• Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members and government partners

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Have a passion for an engineering discipline such as missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion, optimization, mechanical design, and/or test and evaluation
• Have prior experience coding and using MATLAB or Python
• Have initiative, interest in skill development, and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
• Have an Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

Skills

• Experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missile or reentry systems
• Experience programming in Simulink and/or C/C++
• Experience with software version control in GIT, GitLab, or equivalent
• Experience using optimal control software packages such as OTIS, POST or GPOPS
• Experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations

Benefits

Our team values communication, trust, integrity, and flexibility. We strive to foster an environment where everyone’s perspective is valued.

Pay

Minimum Rate $85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate $165,000 Annually

Schedule

Flexible schedule to accommodate project needs and team collaboration.

Additional Information

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies. 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.