2027 PhD Graduate - Modeling and Simulation Analyst - Air Combat and Strike Mission Analysis Group

Do you want to help shape the next generation of air combat systems and strike weapons? Are you interested in using modeling and simulation to answer questions about military effectiveness, system requirements, and future force design? We are looking for someone like you to join our team! We are seeking candidates with initiative and intellectual curiosity to evaluate the development and employment of air combat systems, strike weapons, countermeasures, and multi-domain sensing and communications. You will build and apply modeling and simulation tools to conduct mission-level analysis that inform system requirements, acquisition decisions, military utility assessments, and force design. Our team of more than 50 analysts and computer scientists performs mission-level analysis for Department of War programs. We work collaboratively, invest in staff development, and deliver objective analysis to support important technical and operational decisions. As a member of our team, you will: Build, integrate, test, and improve models of aircraft, weapons, sensors, countermeasures, communications, and other mission systems Apply AFSIM and other tools to analyze air combat and precision strike missions in contested environments Design simulation experiments and evaluate performance at the individual system, system-of-systems, and force-structure levels Use MATLAB, Python, and other software tools to automate simulations, process data, visualize results, and improve analytical workflows Work with engineers, military operators, program offices, and decision-makers to frame analytical questions and communicate findings, limitations, and recommendations Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Possess a PhD degree in engineering, physics, computer science, applied mathematics, operations research, or another related technical field Have experience developing or applying models and simulations through coursework, research, internships, employment, or independent projects Have experience using Python, MATLAB, C++, or another programming language Have analytical and problem-solving skills and an interest in applying technical concepts to operational problems Can work independently, collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team, and communicate technical information clearly Are able to obtain an Interim Secret-level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a 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 go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... Have experience using AFSIM or another campaign, mission, or engagement‑level simulations Have experience designing simulation experiments, analyzing large datasets, or applying statistical methods Are proficient in Python, MATLAB, C++, or another language used for scientific computing, data analysis, or modeling and simulation Have knowledge of military aviation, air combat, precision strike, weapons, sensors, countermeasures, communications, or intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tracking systems Hold an active Secret or higher‑level security 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 $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab