Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Engineer/Analyst - System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
  • Familiar with software development and implementation
  • Familiar with data analysis and computational challenges
  • Inquisitive with a willingness to learn new skills
  • Ability to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by start date.

Responsibilities

  • Learn about inertial navigation systems and analyze flight test data
  • Investigate missile system dynamics and analyze associated data
  • Evaluate accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and assist future designs
  • Apply AI, machine learning, and data fusion methodologies
  • Develop software for mission planning and prototype weapon systems
  • Create operational concepts for new weapon systems using estimation and optimization
  • Analyze nuclear survivability of strategic weapon systems in collaboration with a team.

Benefits

  • Robust education assistance program
  • Unparalleled retirement contributions
  • Healthy work/life balance
  • Vibrant and welcoming work culture
  • Encouragement of creativity and diverse perspectives
Full Job Description
Description

Are you interested in applying your STEM background to strategic deterrence and defense?

Are you interested in defining methodologies that will be used for mission planning and test and evaluation of current and future weapon systems?

Do you like contributing to complex efforts that require team-based approaches?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in math, physics, engineering, or computer science, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group is seeking Weapon System Analysts and Software Engineers to assess the planning and evaluation the nation's primary strategic deterrents. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who are passionate about their role as an independent evaluator for the nation's strategic systems. We strive to foster an environment of innovation and learning to develop the critical technologies and experts of the future.

As a member of our team, you will work on one or more of the following...
  • Learn about the principals of inertial navigation systems, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems
  • Learn about the dynamics of missile systems, reentry systems, and their associated fuzing mechanisms, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems
  • Evaluate system-level accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the design and engineering of future systems to meet mission needs
  • Apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data fusion methodologies to complex, real-world problems and build robust computational frameworks to support advanced data-centric analyses
  • Advance the state of the art in mission planning by developing software and implementing vehicle dynamics models for new and prototype weapon systems
  • Develop operational concepts for new weapon systems that leverage advances in estimation and optimization
  • Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team to analyze the nuclear survivability of strategic weapon systems and structures

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
  • Are familiar with software development and implementation
  • Are familiar with data analysis and associated computational challenges
  • Are inquisitive and are willing to learn new skills and expand your capabilities
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret 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 experience in any of the following...
  • A Master's degree in Math, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
  • Statistical analysis, parameter estimation and inverse problems, Kalman filtering, or maximum likelihood estimation using Fisher information
  • Linear systems and optimization methods
  • Prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems
  • Developing software in C++ or other object-oriented programming languages
  • SQL, Database design and administration
  • Model-based engineering applications such as DOORs, Cameo, and SysML
  • Have knowledge of High Energy Particle Physics, Thermal Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Weapon Effects, or Plasma Physics
  • Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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