2027 Internship - Missile Guidance, Navigation, & Control (GNC)

Are you interested in learning more about guidance, navigation, and controls (GNC)? Are you interested in applying your engineering, physics, or math background to strategic deterrence and defense?

Do you like contributing to complex efforts that require team-based approaches?

If you are working towards a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in engineering, math, or physics, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! The Flight Guidance, Navigation, and Control Group is seeking engineers to aid in the design and implementation of evaluation methodology for the nation’s primary missile systems. 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 a Missile GNC Intern You Will:

• Learn about inertial navigation with accelerometers and gyroscopes and apply your knowledge to understand how such instruments work and their important sources of inaccuracy.
• Develop your understanding of linear dynamics models for controller design and compare performance between different GNC algorithms.
• Develop optimal estimation tools for evaluating flight test dynamics and navigation of ballistic and hypersonic missile systems.
• Work to improve existing tools and processes to analyze real flight test data.
• Develop navigation, guidance, and control algorithms for 6-DOF simulations.
• Extend the capabilities of an existing object-oriented accuracy analysis software library, including full life cycle support (requirements, design, implementation, performance assessment, unit and regression testing, debugging, and documentation).
• Learn and utilize optimal control theory to develop guidance algorithms across multiple programs.
• Work with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to generate navigation sensor models and conduct performance trade studies.
• Build new architectures of navigation code for embedded environments and perform validation and testing on existing navigation code.
• Perform hardware characterization and evaluation using industry standard test equipment.

Qualifications

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

• Are working towards a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related field.
• Are willing to learn new skills and expand your capabilities.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Are able to obtain 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.

You'll exceed our minimum requirements if you...

• Have had coursework in flight dynamics, guidance, navigation, or control.
• Have experience with MATLAB or know another programming language such as C++.
• Have experience or coursework with aided inertial navigation error analysis.
• Have experience or coursework with Kalman filtering.
• Hold an active Secret or higher-level 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

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly