Aerospace Systems Engineer

Description Do you love to apply your technical skills to solve challenges associated with aerospace vehicle systems? Do you find it rewarding to step back from a problem and view the interactions and relationships between subsystems when pursuing the “big-picture” solution? Then we're looking for someone like you to join our team! We are seeking an Aerospace Systems Engineer to join our team of problem solvers! In this role, you'll find opportunities to pursue bold and creative approaches to help us improve the performance of operational systems in innovative new ways. You’ll be joining a group of hardworking technical specialists who challenge themselves daily in addressing the evolving threats to the nation’s defense. We value an environment where everyone’s ideas are respected, and each person is encouraged to bring their full selves to work. Our mission is to craft the future of flight test systems in supporting the design, development, assessment, and execution of flight vehicles used for weapon systems testing. As a member of our team, you will be applying a variety of analytical techniques to take on a multifacted set of technical problems that will mature vehicle capabilities from notional to operational. You will participate in the following specific analysis areas... Flight vehicle concept development studies: trajectory trade study and scoping analysis, launch vehicle and payload flight performance assessment, and trajectory optimization. Trajectory modeling using three and six degree of freedom tools, and vehicle configuration trade studies to guide government, as well as, contractor decisions. Flight performance evaluation of test vehicles: vehicle requirements compliance assessment, weapons systems analysis support, and root cause analysis of flight performance characteristics. Mission execution analysis: real-time range safety evaluations, post-flight vehicle telemetry extraction, and post-flight trajectory reconstruction. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Possess a BS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related subject and 2+ years of professional experience. Demonstrate strong proficiencies in flight dynamics, trajectory design and optimization, and simulation model development. Have excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience working in dynamic team environments. Are proficient in MATLAB and/or other scripting languages. Are willing and able to support travel to flight test ranges during test missions and to government and contractor sites across the United States for planning meetings and data reviews. Travel of approximately three to four weeks per year is typical. Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 an MS or PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, and past work experience in Test and Evaluation. Are highly skilled in trajectory analysis software tools such as TAOS, POST, OTIS, or ASTOS. Show proficiency in analysis and implementation of the models used in trajectory simulation: aerodynamics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), propulsion and mass properties. Have experience coding in C, C++, Python, or Fortran. Have experience using distributed processing software such as Slurm Workload Manager or the MATLAB parallel processing toolbox. Additional skill with Linux systems is a plus. Have experience in developing and writing requirements for aerospace vehicles. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab