Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

AFSIM Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$100K — $245K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field.
  • 3+ years of modern C++ proficiency for framework-level development and plugin creation.
  • 3+ years of experience with AFSIM, including scenario and plugin development.
  • Experience in modeling and simulation in aerospace, space, or multi-domain contexts.
  • Familiarity with object-oriented design and modular simulation frameworks.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for collaborative environments.
  • Eligibility for U.S. security clearance, requiring citizenship.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins and scenarios for space simulations.
  • Extend AFSIM's core framework using C++ for new capabilities and behaviors.
  • Develop scenario definitions and scripting logic for rapid exploration of design alternatives.
  • Perform verification and validation of models against reference and engineering data.
  • Conduct simulation runs, analyze outputs, and generate visualizations for decision-making.
  • Interface AFSIM with tools like STK, MATLAB, and Python for enhanced workflows.
  • Support integration of real-world data and emerging technologies into simulations.
  • Contribute to documentation and knowledge sharing within the modeling community.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on advanced modeling and simulation for U.S. Space Force.
  • Collaborative environment with analysts and subject matter experts.
  • Direct influence on force design and capability development.
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies in space operations.
  • Potential for professional growth and further training opportunities.
Full Job Description
Description

We are seeking an experienced AFSIM Developer to support advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) efforts for U.S. Space Force force design initiatives. In this role, you will develop, extend, and maintain high-fidelity simulations using the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) to evaluate future space architectures, mission concepts, systems-of-systems interactions, and operational scenarios in contested multi-domain environments.

You will collaborate with analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to build and refine models of space systems, platforms, sensors, threats, and enabling capabilities. Your work will directly inform force design decisions, capability trades, concept of operations (CONOPS) development, and wargaming/experimentation activities. This position requires the ability to translate complex operational and technical requirements into extensible simulation components while ensuring models remain performant and analytically robust.

As an AFSIM Developer you will...
  • Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space domain simulations, including orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, electronic warfare (EW), and multi-domain effects.
  • Extend AFSIM's core framework using its modular C++ architecture to support new capabilities, behaviors, and data interfaces.
  • Develop and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic to enable rapid exploration of force design alternatives.
  • Perform verification and validation (V&V) of models against reference data, engineering models, or higher-fidelity tools.
  • Conduct simulation runs, analyze outputs, and generate visualizations or metrics to support analytical conclusions and decision-making.
  • Interface AFSIM with other tools (e.g., STK, MATLAB, Python data pipelines) for hybrid workflows or post-processing.
  • Support integration of real-world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into simulation environments.
  • Contribute to documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing within the modeling community.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the position if you possess...
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
  • 3+ years of strong proficiency in modern C++ for framework-level development and plugin creation.
  • 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience with AFSIM (scenario development, plugin development, model integration, or core extensions).
  • Experience in modeling and simulation, preferably in aerospace, space, or multi-domain mission-level contexts.
  • Familiarity with object-oriented design, modular frameworks, and simulation best practices.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills for working in collaborative, high-impact environments.
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI 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 go above and beyond the minimum qualifications if you...
  • Experience with space-specific modeling (orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, satellite systems, PNT, comms, or space control).
  • Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or Lua scripting for analysis, automation, or AFSIM integration.
  • Knowledge of electronic warfare, cyber effects, or multi-domain operations in simulations.
  • Familiarity with additional M&S tools such as STK, NGTS, or similar.
  • Experience supporting DoD or Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs.
  • Understanding of force design or capability development processes.
  • Experience with AFSIM supporting tools (Wizard IDE, Mystic, etc.) and its scripting language.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 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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