2027 PhD Graduate – Accuracy Analyst - System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group within the Force Projection Sector of the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking Weapon System Accuracy Analysts to assess the planning and evaluation of the nation’s strategic deterrents. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers, physicists, software developers, and mathematicians who are enthusiastic about their role as an independent evaluator and trusted agent for the nation’s strategic systems. We strive to foster an environment of innovation and learning to develop the critical technologies and experts of the future.

Requirements

Possess a PhD in applied math, applied statistics, physics, engineering, or a closely related field
Have strong foundational skills in a scientific language (C++, MATLAB, or Python).
Have experience in data analysis, statistical estimation, physics-based modeling, or requirements or architecture development
Possess outstanding technical written and oral communication skills
Are willing and able to occasionally travel to meetings and sponsor sites
Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a final 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

Have experience with statistical analysis, parameter estimation and inverse problems, Kalman filtering, experimental design, Bayesian inference (e.g., MCMC), or Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Have experience working in large collaborative environments that require teams of engineers, physicists, statisticians, and applied mathematicians
Have experience in model-based systems engineering and/or the development of complex systems
Have prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems, or prior experience with inertial navigation systems
Hold an active Secret or higher-level clearance

Responsibilities

Model Inertial Navigation Systems: Learn about, develop and refine models associated with accelerometers and gyroscopes and how these errors in these systems build along a flight path.
Model the Dynamics of Missile and Reentry Systems: Learn about, develop, and refine models associated with the aerodynamics of missile and reentry systems and associated fuzing mechanisms.
Design Experiments: Lead the experimental design process for flight and ground tests to ensure data collection is optimized for model validation and parameter estimation.
Architecture Development: Develop accuracy requirements, execute architectural trades, and evaluate progress during system development.
Perform Statistical Validation: Leverage real-world collected data to estimate underlying physics-based errors, using statistical methods to determine how well models predict actual system behavior.
Build Computational Frameworks: Develop robust tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python to facilitate analyses for important reports and deliverables.
Evaluate and Communicate System Accuracy: Assess the accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the engineering of future systems to meet mission needs.