Trajectory Optimization Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

10d

About The Position

Are you interested in developing models, methodologies, and algorithms for translating design characteristics of missile systems into concept evaluation and mission planning software? Would you enjoy working with a team that takes innovative ideas from proof of concept to flight-ready final products? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a trajectory optimization engineer to develop models, numerical algorithms, and novel approaches for mission planning and evaluation of missile systems. As a trajectory optimization engineer you will… Apply advanced numerical optimization methods and computational approaches to hypersonic vehicles Model the dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in varying environments Develop software for mission planning and flight system evaluation using advanced numerical optimization methods Design methods for evaluating and testing developed software Document and present work to sponsors and third-party collaborators Interact with sponsors and external representatives to formulate concepts of operation for these novel and advanced technologies

Requirements

Hold an M.S. in an engineering discipline, computational science, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
Are proficient with a high-level programming language, such as MATLAB or Python
Have a background in nonlinear programming and/or optimal control theory
Have demonstrated experience working with complex mathematical models
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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 Ph.D. in an engineering discipline, computational science, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
Have 2+ years of experience implementing numerical algorithms in C++ (or similar compiled/object-oriented programming language)
Have experience developing 3-DoF and/or 6-DoF flight simulations
Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or higher

Responsibilities

Apply advanced numerical optimization methods and computational approaches to hypersonic vehicles
Model the dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in varying environments
Develop software for mission planning and flight system evaluation using advanced numerical optimization methods
Design methods for evaluating and testing developed software
Document and present work to sponsors and third-party collaborators
Interact with sponsors and external representatives to formulate concepts of operation for these novel and advanced technologies