Aerospace Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

2d

About The Position

Do you love to apply your technical skills to solve challenges associated with aerospace vehicle systems?
Do you find it rewarding to step back from a problem and view the interactions and relationships between subsystems when pursuing the “big-picture” solution?
Then we're looking for someone like you to join our team!
We are seeking an Aerospace Systems Engineer to join our team of problem solvers! In this role, you'll find opportunities to pursue bold and creative approaches to help us improve the performance of operational systems in innovative new ways. You’ll be joining a group of hardworking technical specialists who challenge themselves daily in addressing the evolving threats to the nation's defense. We value an environment where everyone’s ideas are respected, and each person is encouraged to bring their full selves to work.

Our mission is to craft the future of flight test systems in supporting the design, development, assessment, and execution of flight vehicles used for weapon systems testing. As a member of our team, you will be applying a variety of analytical techniques to take on a multifacted set of technical problems that will mature vehicle capabilities from notional to operational.
You will participate in the following specific analysis areas...
Flight vehicle concept development studies: trajectory trade study and scoping analysis, launch vehicle and payload flight performance assessment, and trajectory optimization.
Trajectory modeling using three and six degree of freedom tools, and vehicle configuration trade studies to guide government, as well as, contractor decisions.
Flight performance evaluation of test vehicles: vehicle requirements compliance assessment, weapons systems analysis support, and root cause analysis of flight performance characteristics.
Mission execution analysis: real-time range safety evaluations, post-flight vehicle telemetry extraction, and post-flight trajectory reconstruction.

Requirements

• Possess a BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related subject and 2+ years of professional experience.
• Demonstrate strong proficiencies in flight dynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and simulation model development.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience working in dynamic team environments.
• Are proficient in MATLAB and/or other scripting languages.
• Are willing and able to support travel to flight test ranges during test missions and to government and contractor sites across the United States for planning meetings and data reviews. Travel of approximately three to four weeks per year is typical.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 an MS or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, and past work experience in Test and Evaluation.
• Are highly skilled in trajectory analysis software tools such as TAOS, POST, OTIS, or ASTOS.
• Show proficiency in analysis and implementation of the models used in trajectory simulation: aerodynamics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), propulsion and mass properties.
• Have experience coding in C, C++, Python, or Fortran.
• Have experience using distributed processing software such as Slurm Workload Manager or the MATLAB parallel processing toolbox. Additional skill with Linux systems is a plus.
• Have experience in developing and writing requirements for aerospace vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Flight vehicle concept development studies: trajectory trade study and scoping analysis, launch vehicle and payload flight performance assessment, and trajectory optimization.
• Trajectory modeling using three and six degree of freedom tools, and vehicle configuration trade studies to guide government, as well as, contractor decisions.
• Flight performance evaluation of test vehicles: vehicle requirements compliance assessment, weapons systems analysis support, and root cause analysis of flight performance characteristics.
• Mission execution analysis: real-time range safety evaluations, post-flight vehicle telemetry extraction, and post-flight trajectory reconstruction.

Benefits

• We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
• At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees