Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2027 PhD Graduate - Advanced Concept Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • PhD or nearing completion in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in aerospace system or subsystem disciplines like vehicle design, propulsion, or sensors.
  • Knowledge in trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling, or mechanical design.
  • Skill in translating real-world issues into mathematical models with conclusive numerical outcomes.
  • Proven ability to independently solve complex technical challenges.
  • Proficient in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
  • U.S. citizenship required for Interim Secret Clearance and to pursue Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct multidisciplinary studies to evaluate next-gen missile and weapon concepts.
  • Analyze missile design and performance issues across various disciplines.
  • Develop and implement advanced models for weapon systems analysis.
  • Communicate technical findings to experts and management for decision-making.
  • Translate operational needs into suitable mathematical formulations.
  • Integrate innovative methods from industry and academia into defense solutions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
  • Generous paid time off and flexible work schedule options.
  • Support for continuous education and professional development opportunities.
Full Job Description
Description

As a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer, you will:
  • Conduct multidisciplinary trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies to develop and evaluate next-generation missile and weapon concepts.
  • Analyze problems spanning missile design and performance, mission planning, fire control and weapon scheduling, ballistic missile defense, anti-air warfare, hypersonic defense, defensive space control, and early-stage hardware design.
  • Formulate, develop, and implement state-of-the-art physics-based/empirical models for conceptual design and performance analysis of U.S. and adversary weapon systems.
  • Distill complex technical analysis into actionable insights; communicate findings to technical experts, executive management, and government sponsors to inform critical technical and programmatic decisions.
  • Translate operational needs and real-world constraints into mathematical formulations suitable for modeling, simulation, and optimization.
  • Identify and adapt cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to bring new approaches to complex defense challenges.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD, or soon to be awarded, in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline, such as vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors.
  • Experience in one or more relevant technical areas such as trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling and analysis, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
  • Ability to translate real-world problems and constraints into mathematical models and draw meaningful conclusions from numerical results.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently tackle unfamiliar, open-ended technical problems.
  • Proficiency in a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance to start and a final Top Secret/ SCI level security clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

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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