GN&C Missile Engineer

About the Role

Are you passionate about Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)? Do you enjoy modeling and analyzing inertial navigation systems and other sensors, and have experience with optimal fusion and estimation methodologies? Join APL’s team to design, model, and evaluate next‑generation hypersonic and ballistic missile systems that face extreme GN&C challenges, including very fast flight, short‑time‑constant nonlinear dynamics, and high‑accuracy requirements in GPS‑contested environments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct GN&C subsystem trade studies, designs, and analyses for next‑generation missile systems, including 6‑DOF model development and integration.
• Develop high‑fidelity navigation optimal estimation algorithms, primarily using Kalman Filters.
• Perform performance prediction using both high‑fidelity (physics‑based) and low‑fidelity (parameterized) sensor models.
• Assess existing missile GN&C subsystems, including pre‑flight performance prediction (6‑DOF models, covariance analysis) and post‑flight performance evaluation from telemetry (IMU, GPS, radar, etc.).
• Develop, implement, and evaluate potential algorithm improvements.
• Design, develop, integrate, test, and use software to conduct technical analyses that inform APL’s technical opinions and generate data products.
• Present work to internal audiences, sponsors, and external organizations at working groups, post‑flight briefings, and program reviews.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications (any combination that meets the criteria):

• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
• 2+ years of relevant technical experience in one or more of the following: estimation methods (Extended Kalman, Unscented, Particle Filters), covariance analysis, inertial navigation, flight dynamics, control law design, guidance/path planning.
• Interest and willingness to work on missile systems.
• Experience with MATLAB or C++; willingness to learn Simulink.
• Ability to support occasional travel and obtain an interim Secret‑level security clearance by start date, with the potential to obtain Top‑Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Preferred qualifications (go above and beyond minimum):

• BS + 5 years, or MS + 3 years, or PhD in a relevant engineering or physics discipline.
• Prior work on strategic weapon systems, including hypersonic or ballistic missiles.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of a team.
• Current active Secret or higher clearance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) applies world‑class expertise to the nation’s most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. APL’s culture emphasizes a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where employees can bring their authentic selves to work, grow professionally, and collaborate with inspiring teammates. The laboratory is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area.

Benefits

APL offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous education assistance, unparalleled retirement contributions, robust health, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, and extensive training and development opportunities. Employees enjoy a healthy work‑life balance and may receive bonuses, sign‑on or relocation assistance, locality allowances, and discretionary performance payments.

Pay

Minimum Rate: $100,000 annually
Maximum Rate: $245,000 annually