Weapon System Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group is seeking experienced analysts to support the technical evaluation of the nation’s primary strategic deterrents. You will join a multidisciplinary team of engineers, physicists, and mathematicians. As a Weapon System Analyst you will develop and refine physics models by creating and improving high-fidelity physics-based models of complex systems, including inertial navigation (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and missile/reentry dynamics. You will lead the experimental design process for flight and ground tests to ensure data collection is optimized for model validation and parameter estimation. You will perform statistical validation by leveraging real-world collected data to estimate underlying physics-based errors, using statistical methods to determine how well models predict actual system behavior. You will apply advanced statistical techniques to “work backward” from observed data to identify the physical properties or errors that caused the observed effect. You will build computational frameworks by developing robust tools in C++, MATLAB, or Python to facilitate analyses for important reports and deliverables. You will assess the accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the engineering of future systems to meet mission needs.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Math, Applied Statistics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
Have one or more years of professional experience in data analysis or physics-based modeling
Have strong foundational skills in a scientific language (C++, MATLAB, or Python).
A solid grasp of linear algebra, calculus, and basic probability/statistics.
A strong desire to learn complex physical systems and a willingness to dive deep into technical documentation
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, experimental design, Bayesian inference (e.g., MCMC), or Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Have experience working in large collaborative environments that require teams of engineers, physicists, statisticians, and applied mathematicians
Prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems, or prior experience with inertial navigation systems
Hold an active Secret or higher-level clearance

Responsibilities

Develop and Refine Physics Models by creating and improve high-fidelity physics-based models of complex systems, including inertial navigation (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and missile/reentry dynamics.
Lead the experimental design process for flight and ground tests to ensure data collection is optimized for model validation and parameter estimation.
Perform Statistical Validation by leveraging real-world collected data to estimate underlying physics-based errors, using statistical methods to determine how well models predict actual system behavior.
Apply advanced statistical techniques to “work backward” from observed data to identify the physical properties or errors that caused the observed effect.
Build Computational Frameworks by developing robust tools in C++ , MATLAB, or Python to facilitate analyses for important reports and deliverables.
Assess the accuracy of current strategic weapon systems and support the engineering of future systems to meet mission needs.