2026 PhD Graduate - System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group is seeking Weapon System Analysts and Software Engineers to assess the planning and evaluation of the nation’s primary strategic deterrents. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who are passionate about their role as an independent evaluator for the nation’s strategic systems. We strive to foster an environment of innovation and learning to develop the critical technologies and experts of the future. As an analyst in the System Modeling & Estimation group you may work on one or more of the following: Learn about the principals of inertial navigation systems, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems. Learn about the dynamics of missile systems, reentry systems, and their associated fuzing mechanisms, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems. Evaluate system-level accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the design and engineering of future systems to meet mission needs. Apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data fusion methodologies to complex, real-world problems and build robust computational frameworks to support advanced data-centric analyses. Advance the state of the art in mission planning by developing software and implementing vehicle dynamics models for new and prototype weapon systems. Develop operational concepts for new weapon systems that leverage advances in estimation and optimization. Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team to analyze the nuclear survivability of strategic weapon systems and structures.

Requirements

Possess a PhD in applied math, applied statistics, physics, engineering, or a closely related field.
Are skilled in scientific programming using a high-level language, such as C++, MATLAB, or Python.
Possess outstanding technical written and oral communication skills.
Are willing and able to occasionally travel to meetings and sponsor sites.
Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a final 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

Statistical analysis, parameter estimation and inverse problems, Kalman filtering, or maximum likelihood estimation using Fisher information.
Optimal control, numerical optimization, and trajectory design.
Prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems.
Prior experience with inertial navigation systems.
Have expertise in High Energy Particle Physics, Thermal Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Weapon Effects, or Plasma Physics.
Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

Responsibilities

Learn about the principals of inertial navigation systems, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems.
Learn about the dynamics of missile systems, reentry systems, and their associated fuzing mechanisms, and leverage data collected during flight tests and ground tests to estimate the underlying, physics-based errors in these systems.
Evaluate system-level accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the design and engineering of future systems to meet mission needs.
Apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data fusion methodologies to complex, real-world problems and build robust computational frameworks to support advanced data-centric analyses.
Advance the state of the art in mission planning by developing software and implementing vehicle dynamics models for new and prototype weapon systems.
Develop operational concepts for new weapon systems that leverage advances in estimation and optimization.
Function as part of a multi-disciplinary team to analyze the nuclear survivability of strategic weapon systems and structures.