Flight Test Mission Planning Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

27d • Onsite

About The Position

Ever wonder how to make flight tests safe, effective, and successful, sometimes in real time?
Are you searching for meaningful work supporting the defense of our Nation?
Then we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are looking for a motivated engineer ready to dive into mission planning and analysis for some of the most technically demanding aerospace and hypersonic test events in the country. Our team is passionate about leading innovative test events and activities, and strives to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation. We love to connect with other specialists from across the laboratory to contribute varied perspectives, and collaborate on groundbreaking interdisciplinary efforts to make each flight test successful.
As a member of our team, expect to engage with both big-picture flight test strategy and in technical analysis details. We tackle everything from planning and organization of missions and analysis of flight safety, to real-time execution and post-test analysis. Hypersonic systems, space dynamics, and integrated defense architectures are all areas we touch. It's a space where critical thinking, creativity, and accountability go hand-in-hand.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or a related field.
• Experience or coursework in technical areas such as trajectory modeling, propulsion, aerodynamics, or orbital mechanics.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or analysis language—MATLAB and Python are especially useful.
• Strong communication skills—clear writing, confident speaking, and the ability to work through ideas with teammates.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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

• Hold a Master’s degree or have direct experience in test and evaluation, aerospace systems, or mission modeling.
• Have familiarity with tools like STK, TAOS, or other flight simulation environments.
• Have experience working in operations, testing, or rapid-response environments—military, academic, or civilian.

Responsibilities

• Analyze test scenarios, vehicle trajectories, intercept geometries, and launch safety hazards—including satellite collision avoidance and protected zone assessments.
• Assess safe launch windows and viewing opportunities for complex flight test missions, evaluating risk pre-mission and in real time.
• Build tools and streamline workflows—MATLAB is most commonly used, but flexibility and creative problem-solving using all of APL's available tools are most important.
• Collaborate with experts across and outside APL in radar systems, space tracking, orbital safety, debris modeling, hardware development, and mission engineering technologies.

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.
• 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees