Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Missile Test and Evaluation Engineer supports the test and evaluation of in-development Navy and Air Force strategic missile systems, including Trident and Sentinel, as well as reentry systems and hypersonic weapons. Working with government sponsors and multidisciplinary engineering teams, the engineer develops performance requirements, test and analysis plans, data collection requirements, and tools for evaluating system performance. The role includes comparing test results with pre-flight predictions and requirements, conducting cumulative system assessments, and using findings to mature system design and support program success. The engineer may participate in field-site testing and missile flight-test operations, including detailed post-flight analysis. The position also supports missile and reentry-body modeling and simulation, range-systems evaluation, sponsor meetings, and interactions with representatives of other agencies at sites around the country. Analysis results are documented and presented to sponsors and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering or another related technical discipline, with relevant experience.
At least 3 years of experience specific to test and evaluation of aerospace systems or subsystems.
Technical knowledge of missile subject areas such as flight and ground testing, aerodynamic performance, flight dynamics, and propulsion.
Strong computer background and programming skills, including MATLAB.
Ability to work and interact effectively with internal and external multidisciplinary teams and colleagues of different experience levels and backgrounds, including industry and military personnel.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Comfort working in closed-area facilities.
Initiative, interest in developing skills, and flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill.
Ability to travel for meetings and field tests, approximately 25–30 days per year.
Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering and 8 or more years of experience specific to test and evaluation or modeling and simulation of missile and/or reentry systems or subsystems, including MATLAB.
Strong background in missile-body functional, aerodynamic, and interface performance requirements.
Design experience with related missile and reentry-body subsystems.
Previous experience with Navy or Air Force strategic missile and/or reentry systems, including Trident, Minuteman, or Sentinel.
Active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Perform missile system test and evaluation, primarily for Navy and Air Force strategic and hypersonic missile programs, assessing performance against pre-flight predictions and requirements and conducting cumulative system assessments.
Develop performance requirements and evaluation plans for in-development missile systems.
Advise government partners on test and evaluation planning and strategy.
Develop data collection requirements to meet sponsor objectives.
Support missile and reentry-body modeling and simulation, range-systems evaluation, and field-site support for flight tests.
Create analysis tools and visualization methods for developmental programs.
Lead and contribute to analysis efforts, documenting and presenting findings to sponsors and representatives of other agencies.
Support test operations at field sites during missile flight tests.
Support sponsor meetings and interactions at sites around the country.