Space Warfighting Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Space Control Systems Group within APL's Space Exploration Sector applies advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis to some of the nation's most challenging national security space problems. Our team brings together expertise in engineering, physics, astronomy, applied mathematics, computer science, and other technical disciplines to assess space control capabilities and inform future operations, technologies, and investments. Our team explores multiple facets of the Space Control mission, including Space Situational Awareness, Defensive Space Control, and Offensive Space Control. We use modeling and simulation, multi-domain operational planning, tactics and techniques, test and evaluation, threat analysis, performance assessments, space warfighting operations, and force design to evaluate mission effectiveness and address critical operational challenges.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field
Have 5+ years of demonstrated experience developing, modifying, executing, and analyzing system- or mission-level technical simulations
Have experience using programming and/or scripting languages such as AFSIM Script, Python, MATLAB, Linux/BASH, or similar tools to support modeling, simulation, and analysis
Have demonstrated ability to analyze technical data and use modeling and simulation results to answer system- or mission-level questions
Are able to communicate technical approaches, assumptions, results, and limitations to technical and non-technical audiences
Are willing and able to occasionally travel to sponsor locations
Are self-directed and detail oriented
Able to obtain a TS/SCI level security clearance and accesses. 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

Possess a Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field
Have at least 5 years of hands-on experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis in support of assessing space systems / weapon systems performance
Have hands-on experience with AFSIM scripting, or comparable mission-level modeling and simulation environments
Have experience translating analytical or operational questions into simulation studies, designing experiments, evaluating results, and communicating technically defensible conclusions
Have experience with software-in-the-loop or hardware-in-the-loop simulations
Have experience in national security space operations, activities, and investments
Hold a current Top Secret clearance with SCI accesses

Responsibilities

Develop new models and leverage existing modeling and simulation tools to conduct sophisticated system- and mission-level analyses supporting national security space missions.
Translate complex operational and technical questions into well-defined simulation studies, analytical approaches, and executable experiments.
Design and execute modeling and simulation experiments, analyze results, and develop technically defensible conclusions and recommendations.
Model and assess sensor performance in support of missions such as space object tracking, characterization, and discrimination.
Evaluate expected system and mission performance resulting from hardware, software, or operational modifications.
Analyze the impact of factors such as data latency, sensor performance, and system architecture on mission effectiveness.
Apply programming and computational tools such as C, C++, MATLAB, and Python to develop models, conduct analyses, and evaluate results.
Leverage modeling and engineering tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Astrogator, Thermal Desktop, and PTC Creo, as appropriate, to support technical investigations.
Collaborate with technical teams and subject matter experts to explore complex and often open-ended space mission challenges.
Communicate analysis methods, results, and technical conclusions through briefings, reports, visualizations, and other technical products to internal teams and government sponsors.
Expand your knowledge of the space domain while developing expertise in mission-level modeling, simulation, and analysis.