Control Systems Engineer

Are you interested in working on our nation’s most advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile systems?

Do you want to be a part of a highly motivated team of GN&C subject matter experts that respond to our sponsor's most critical and impactful missile system challenges?

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

We are seeking an experienced GN&C engineer with expertise in feedback control systems to design, model, and evaluate missile systems. These weapon systems come with an enormous GN&C challenge: They fly VERY fast, with short time-constant nonlinear dynamics through an atmosphere with many disturbances.

Our sponsors look to our team to be independent GN&C subject matter experts in support of multiple ballistic and hypersonic weapon systems. As part of this role, we independently evaluate real flight test performance of existing systems and influence the designs and capabilities of next generation systems. This is a critical role to ensure these systems meet both existing and future warfighter needs, and we need your help to do it!

As a Control Systems Engineer at APL, you will...

• Conduct autopilot and control trade studies, designs, and analyses for next generation missile systems, including algorithm design, performance prediction and assessment against sponsor objectives, using fidelity (e.g. physics-based) and low fidelity (e.g. parameterized) system models.
• Provided technical leadership to teams of varying size and mentor junior staff to ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge across classical, modern, and advanced feedback control design for missile systems.
• Present work to a broad internal audience as well as sponsors and external organizations at working groups, post-flight briefings, and program reviews.

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering,or Physics (or closely related technical field).
• Have at least 5 years work experience in strategic weapon systems, including hypersonic or ballistic missile systems
• Have demonstrated experience in and design and analysis of autopilot, classical, and modern control systems, using linear and nonlinear flight dynamics models.
• Have an interest and willingness to work on nuclear and hypersonic missile systems
• Have conducted analysis and development using MATLAB, Simulink, and C++.
• Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
• Have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are skilled at developing relationships across diverse teams.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can 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 a PhD and/or relevant work experience in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or closely related technical field.
• Have at 10 years or more work experience in strategic weapon systems, including hypersonic or ballistic missile systems
• Have demonstrated succesful technical leadership of a team
• Have experience and interest in related fields such as guidance and navigation systems, or 6 degree-of-freedom modeling and simulation.
• Currently hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

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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 apply.j-vers.com .

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.