2026 PhD Graduate - Weapon Systems Modeling and Analysis Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

69d

About The Position

Are you passionate about improving Precision Strike capabilities for the United States warfighter? Do you love solving complex problems with sophisticated modeling and simulation (M&S) tools? If you are graduating with a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or another engineering field and want to study the survivability of missile systems, we'd love to have you join our team! We are seeking a weapon systems modeling and analysis engineer to help us develop, characterize, and evaluate missile performance against precision strike platforms in complex environments. We are a multi talented and hardworking team of analysts and engineers who support a wide range of government sponsors who have many exciting technical problems. Our team conducts high fidelity physics-based modeling while collaborating with authorities in other fields including: GN&C, RF / IR Engineering, Electronic Warfare, Software Development, Systems Engineering and more! As a member of our team, you will: Develop and use physics-based models and simulations to assess the effectiveness and optimal employment of both legacy and innovative U.S. strike missiles in 1-v-1 and 1-v-few scenarios Analyze driving factors behind strike system performance Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to use, develop and improve modeling capabilities and missile models Build and leverage novel data visualization tools for large and complex data sets Prepare and present formal documentation to technical specialists, operational partners, and government sponsors Collaborate with mission-level analysts and inform their modeling efforts

Requirements

Have a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or another engineering field
Have experience with data processing languages such as MATLAB and Python
Have experience using physics-based simulations and investigating the driving factors behind performance
Have experience solving complex problems using rigorous and documented processes
Are willing, able and passionate about learning missile systems concepts to improve modeling and simulation tools and to perform engagement-level analysis
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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

Have experience in the modeling and simulation of surface-to-air and/or air-to-air missiles
Have knowledge of software design best practices, including a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles.
Have experience with Simulink, Fortran, or C++
Have experience working with software versioning systems such as Git or SVN
Have experience working with external customers and partners
Hold an active final Secret level security clearance

Responsibilities

Develop and use physics-based models and simulations to assess the effectiveness and optimal employment of both legacy and innovative U.S. strike missiles in 1-v-1 and 1-v-few scenarios
Analyze driving factors behind strike system performance
Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to use, develop and improve modeling capabilities and missile models
Build and leverage novel data visualization tools for large and complex data sets
Prepare and present formal documentation to technical specialists, operational partners, and government sponsors
Collaborate with mission-level analysts and inform their modeling efforts