Weapons Systems Accuracy Analyst

Description Do you love learning about complex systems and how their subsystems work together to achieve a mission need? Would you enjoy applying physics-based dynamical models, fitting stochastic models to real‑world weapon system data, and having your analysis become the basis for government decisions including performance improvements for next‑generation systems? Would you like to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and senior government sponsors, and produce reports that directly support national security? If so, we’re looking for you to join our team at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) as a Weapon‑System Accuracy Analyst . Responsibilities Assess the accuracy of shipboard, missile, and reentry systems, and translate those results into system‑level accuracy predictions. Use dynamical models of sensors, aerodynamics, and actuated systems to evaluate performance at both system and subsystem level. Work with real flight‑test and simulation data and apply statistical techniques (regression analysis, hypothesis tests, maximum likelihood estimation) to extract meaningful performance metrics. Produce clear written reports and concise oral briefings that senior government sponsors rely on when setting requirements, planning flight‑test campaigns, and deciding on next‑generation designs. Interact with sponsors and partner organizations, answer technical questions, present results, and incorporate feedback into the next round of analysis. Help junior team members learn the same techniques, fostering a collaborative, mission‑focused environment. Minimum Qualifications Hold a B.S. in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related technical field. Have 3+ years of professional experience in quantitative analysis or modeling and simulation of complex systems. Be comfortable building physics‑based models (e.g., Newton’s laws, sensor error budgets) and applying basic statistical methods to evaluate performance of complex systems. Possess proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or C++ for scientific computing (writing scripts, plotting results, debugging). Have strong written and oral communication skills, and be able to explain technical material to both experts and non‑experts. Enjoy working on a team, sharing ideas, and collaborating with people from different disciplines. Be able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship. Preferred Qualifications Have a M.S. or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline (physics, applied mathematics, engineering, etc.). Have experience applying software best practices including object‑oriented programming in C++, MATLAB, or Python, unit testing, continuous integration, and Git version control. Have applied estimation techniques such as Kalman filtering, particle/unscented filters, or maximum‑likelihood methods that use Fisher information. Have directly worked on strategic missile, submarine, or flight‑test programs (e.g., SLBM, ICBM, or related launch‑vehicle subsystems). Have experience developing requirements and verification plans for new weapon‑system designs or flight‑test campaigns. Be familiar with next‑generation inertial measurement units, sensors, and related hardware. Possess an active Secret (or higher) clearance at the time of application. Have experience presenting technical results to senior government sponsors and influencing design or test‑planning decisions. About 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. APL is dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies. Our culture is vibrant and welcoming, encouraging creativity and bold new ideas. Employees enjoy generous benefits, a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, a healthy work/life balance, and a respected campus located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at EEO Statement 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. Benefits and Compensation The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated. APL may offer bonuses or other 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 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. Salary Range Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory