2026 Graduate - Missile, Reentry, and Hypersonics Systems Performance

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

21h

About The Position

If you are graduating with a degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and want to gain experience with the modeling & simulation, test & evaluation, or concept development of strategic missile, reentry, and hypersonic systems we’d love to have you join our team! We are seeking engineers to help us with the technical challenges associated with the missile and reentry systems deployed as part of our Nation's premiere strategic ballistic missile and long range strike hypersonic weapons systems. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to ensure the effectiveness of these systems, which typically contain nuclear warheads and are an integral part of the Nation's strategic deterrent. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers who work to provide impactful technical solutions for current and future strategic missile and payload systems. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging and stimulating work. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration where everyone’s perspective is valued. Our team values communication, trust, integrity, and flexibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline
A passion for an engineering discipline such as missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion, optimization, mechanical design, and/or test and evaluation
Prior experience coding and using MATLAB or Python
Initiative, interest in skill development, and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
An Interim Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain a 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.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missile or reentry systems
Experience programming in Simulink and/or C/C++
Experience with software version control in GIT, GitLab, or equivalent
Experience using optimal control software packages such as OTIS, POST or GPOPS
Experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations

Responsibilities

Develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and conceptual design studies of missile and reentry systems and/or hypersonic vehicles
Participate in test and evaluation activities to include test operations and pre/post flight evaluations
Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades
Produce reports and presentations to communicate findings to team members and government partners