2026 PhD Graduate - Missile, Reentry, and Hypersonics System Performance

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This opportunity is for individuals graduating with a doctorate degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM field. As a member of the Flight Systems Performance Group, you will gain experience in system-level test and evaluation of various flight systems and also get involved in the development of the next generation strategic missile systems and other hypersonic systems. You will serve as a technical thought leader and advance the capabilities of the group, leveraging your expertise to drive innovation and solve problems using novel approaches. The role involves addressing technical challenges associated with deployed and in-development flight systems that are part of the Nation's premiere strategic ballistic missile and long-range strike hypersonic weapons systems. You will be making critical contributions to ensure the effectiveness of these systems, which typically contain nuclear warheads and are an integral part of the Nation's strategic deterrent. The team is hardworking, passionate about innovation, and committed to providing engaging and stimulating work in an environment of collaboration where everyone’s technical perspective is valued. The team values communication, collaboration, trust, integrity, and flexibility.

Requirements

PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline
Passion for an engineering discipline such as missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion, optimization, mechanical design, and/or test and evaluation
Demonstrated experience with technical report writing
Prior experience with presentations and public speaking
Prior experience coding and using MATLAB or Python
Previous experience with data analysis
Initiative, interest in skill development, and the flexibility to accept assignments of varied scope and skill
Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level clearance
U.S. citizenship

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with Navy and/or Air Force strategic missile or reentry systems
Experience programming in Simulink, Simscape and/or C/C++
Experience with AI techniques with application to data analysis
Previous experience with intermediate and higher-level computation math methods
Previous experience with optimal control
Previous experience using data analysis to influence the direction of a project
Previous experience driving innovation
Previous experience providing technical leadership to a group or project
Experience with software version control in GIT, GitLab, or equivalent
Experience using optimal control software packages such as OTIS, POST or GPOPS
Experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations

Responsibilities

Develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and design studies of missile and reentry systems and/or hypersonic vehicles
Participate in test and evaluation activities to include test operations and pre/post flight evaluations
Use computational tools to analyze data and draw conclusions based on data trends and evidence
Collaborate with cross-discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades
Communicate findings to team members and government partners
Evolve current analysis methodologies and create novel solutions to problems in our field
Mentor staff in new techniques and methods in problem solving