Experienced Fire Control Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

7d

About The Position

The Fire Control Engineer joins a multidisciplinary team of engineers and former weapon system operators working to architect resilient, fault-tolerant weapon control systems for current and next-generation deterrent missions. The role uses subject matter expertise, operational data, and partnerships with industry and government to improve the reliability and mission assurance of critical US Navy systems.

The engineer analyzes data from deployed weapon systems to characterize performance limits, identify anomalous behavior, and improve recovery capabilities in weapon control and missile guidance subsystems. The role also reviews proposed hardware and software updates, works directly with prime contractors and government sponsors, and participates in testing ranging from laboratory work to full-scale tests at government facilities or aboard Navy platforms. The engineer helps shape future weapon-system architecture and promotes reliability, performance stability, and mission assurance in design decisions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, such as Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Professional experience working with a complex weapon control system.
• Experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for complex systems.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance.
• Must meet government requirements for access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the Trident II Strategic Weapon System Fire Control system.
• Professional experience analyzing performance aspects of sophisticated digital systems.
• Experience with the Air Force’s Minuteman III or Sentinel systems, or with OHIO-, VIRGINIA-, or COLUMBIA-class submarines.
• Active Secret security clearance and eligibility for a Top Secret security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is an eligibility requirement for the stated clearance pathway.

Responsibilities

• Analyze deployed weapon-system data to characterize performance limits and identify anomalous behavior.
• Improve recovery capabilities of weapon control and missile guidance subsystems.
• Provide independent technical reviews of proposed hardware and software system updates.
• Interface with prime contractors and government sponsors to ensure mission assurance.
• Participate in laboratory and full-scale system test and evaluation efforts at government facilities or aboard Navy platforms.
• Shape the architecture of future weapon systems to build in robustness and operational resilience.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to promote reliability, performance stability, and mission assurance in design decisions.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program and education assistance.
• Retirement plans with unparalleled retirement contributions.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Training and development.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level