DescriptionAre you passionate about testing and evaluating complex space systems that support national security missions?
Do you enjoy working with operational stakeholders to turn test data into actionable insights?
Are you motivated by planning and executing challenging test campaigns in support of United States Space Force capabilities?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), a national leader in scientific research and development located in Laurel, Maryland, is seeking a Test and Evaluation (T&E) professional to support the development, coordination, execution, and assessment of operational test architectures for United States Space Force (USSF) and National Security Space Mission Area (NSSMA) programs. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing operational test and evaluation efforts that support critical national security space missions.
Support the planning, execution, and analysis of testing across multiple programs within the National Security Space Mission Area (NSSMA). The successful candidate will apply advanced knowledge of Test and Evaluation (T&E) methodologies, including verification and validation (V&V), test planning, data analysis, and hardware/software integration in complex operational environments. This role requires close collaboration with Department of Defense stakeholders, development of test documentation and strategies, and delivery of actionable insights to ensure mission effectiveness and support critical national security space capabilities.
As a Space Operational Test and Evaluation Engineer you will...- Develop and document test campaigns, clearly articulating objectives and measures of performance.
- Analyze test data and provide clear and actionable insights through reports.
- Collaborate with system engineering, software, hardware, and operations teams to ensure test coverage and traceability.
- Assist in development of modeling and simulation environments to supplement physical testing.
- Develop and maintain test scripts, tools, and automation frameworks.
- Effectively communicate complex analytical results to NSS leadership and government stakeholders.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous improvement of test processes and tools.
QualificationsYou meet our minimum qualifications if you...- Hold a BS. in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or related technical field
- Have at least 5 years of experience in testing DoD and/or IC-developed space systems
- Demonstrated strong analytical problem-solving skills
- Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, and JMP
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing briefings, and test reports
- Hold an active TS/SCI security 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 if you...- Have an advanced degree in Physics, Space Systems Engineering, or related STEM with 10+ years of relevant experience
- Background in space systems, satellite operations, or orbital mechanics
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting test campaigns
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and software-in-the-loop (SWIL) testing
- Familiarity with modeling and simulation, digital engineering, and Monte Carlo analysis
- Experience with astrodynamics modeling tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, or Orekit
- Formal training in T&E methodologies
- Experience directly supporting DoD space defense test programs
Special Working Conditions: - Occasional travel may be required to support sponsor briefings and test events
Minimum Rate$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate$245,000 Annually
