Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 PhD Graduate - Engineering/Mathematician - Simulation & Analysis

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $245K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or a similar program.
  • Knowledge of programming, technical writing, and presentation skills related to math and physics.
  • Proficient in MATLAB for analysis, algorithm development, and data visualization.
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance and ultimately a Top Secret level clearance.
  • Experience or domain knowledge in Navy, Missile Defense Agency, or Space Force systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development and assessment of Missile Defense systems.
  • Model, analyze, and assess fielded systems for improvement opportunities.
  • Propose and develop innovative concepts and algorithms to enhance capabilities.
  • Conduct parametric analyses using high performance computing resources.
  • Develop prototype capabilities and transition innovative ideas to fielded systems.
  • Prepare presentations to communicate technical recommendations effectively.

Benefits

  • Robust education assistance program.
  • Unparalleled retirement contributions.
  • Healthy work/life balance.
  • Vibrant and welcoming work atmosphere.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and strong team connections.
Full Job Description
Are you looking for exciting opportunities to help determine how to best defend the United States, our armed forces, and our allies from all forms of air and missle threats?

Do you love to study something and find ways to make it better?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees and want to work in an exciting and collaborative environment to solve challenging technical national security problems, we'd love to have you join our team.

We are seeking innovative and talented technical graduates to join our Multi-Domain System Concepts Group to conduct modeling and analysis, identify defensive systems gaps, and develop new system concepts to revolutionize defensive capabilities for the U.S. You would apply math, engineering, and physics knowledge to implement models and simulations and analyze new concepts including sensors, battle management and communications systems, and kinetic and non-kinetic defensive systems. You would develop expertise in analysis, algorithm development, optimization, and modeling and simulation of a wide variety of U.S. Navy, Missile Defense, and Space systems.

As a member of our team...
• Your primary responsibility will be contributing to the development and assessment of Missile Defense systems.
• You will model, analyze, and perform assessments of fielded systems and find opportunities for improvement, propose and develop innovative concepts/algorithms to improve capabilties, and conduct analysis to assess potential future systems performance. You will often conduct parametric analyses using high performance computing capabilities. You will sometimes develop prototype capabilities and work with real-world systems to transition ideas to fielded capabilities.
• You will develop presentations to effectively communicate technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
• Have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar program
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of programming and analysis, technical writing and presentation, as well as fundamental math and physics knowledge
• Have proficiency in using MATLAB to conduct analysis, conduct algorithm development, and/or create visualizations of data
• Are able to obtain an 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 direct experience with or domain knowledge of Navy, Missile Defense Agency, or Space Force systems
• Have a final Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 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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