Aerospace Systems Engineer - Flight Test & Performance Analysis

Description

Are you passionate about aerospace engineering and interested in applying your technical skills to some of our Nation's most challenging flight systems? Do you enjoy solving complex engineering problems, analyzing real-world test data, and working with a team of talented engineers?

Are you interested in contributing to the development and evaluation of the next generation of strategic missiles, reentry systems, and hypersonic weapons?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking an Aerospace Systems Engineer to support the test, evaluation, and performance analysis of developmental Navy and Air Force missile systems, including Trident and Sentinel. JHU/APL serves as a trusted technical partner to government sponsors, providing independent engineering assessments that help inform system development and ensure mission success.

In this role, you will evaluate flight system performance, develop modeling and simulation tools, and help plan and execute test and evaluation activities. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will gain exposure to complex aerospace systems, participate in flight testing, and analyze real-world flight data.

As a Aerospace Systems Engineer, you will...

• Perform engineering analysis and test and evaluation of Navy and Air Force strategic and hypersonic missile systems, including comparisons with preflight predictions and system requirements.
• Develop and apply computational models, simulations, and analytical tools to evaluate missile and reentry system performance.
• Analyze flight and ground test data to characterize system behavior and investigate performance differences.
• Contribute to performance requirements, test objectives, evaluation plans, and data collection requirements.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams on flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, and related technical challenges.
• Develop analysis tools, automation, and visualization methods.
• Document and present findings and recommendations to project teams and government sponsors.
• Participate in flight test planning, field test operations, and post-flight analysis.
• Collaborate with technical experts across the Laboratory, government, and industry while expanding your expertise.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline, with at least 2 years of relevant engineering experience.
• Have a solid foundation in flight dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, guidance and control, systems engineering, or modeling and simulation.
• Have experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar computational tools to solve engineering problems.
• Have demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to apply engineering principles to complex challenges.
• Work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and communicate technical information clearly, in writing and verbally.
• Show initiative, adaptability, and interest in learning new technical disciplines.
• Are comfortable working in closed-area facilities and traveling for meetings and field tests (approximately 25-30 days per year).
• Can obtain an Interim Secret clearance by your start date and ultimately a Top Secret clearance. Selection is subject to a government security clearance investigation; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have an M.S. in a related technical discipline.
• Have 5 or more years of experience in aerospace systems analysis, modeling and simulation, flight testing, or test and evaluation.
• Have analyzed flight or ground test data, developed performance predictions, or evaluated aerospace system behavior.
• Have experience with six-degree-of-freedom simulations, trajectory analysis, or aerospace performance models.
• Have experience with missile systems, reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, or other complex flight systems.
• Are familiar with requirements development, test planning, verification and validation, or system-level performance assessment.
• Have worked with government sponsors, defense contractors, or aerospace development programs.
• Have supported strategic missile programs such as Trident, Minuteman, or Sentinel.
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret clearance

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually