2026 PhD Graduate - Missile, Reentry, and Hypersonics System Performance

Overview If you are graduating with a doctorate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related STEM field, we have an opportunity for you. As a member of the Flight Systems Performance Group, you will gain experience in system-level test and evaluation of flight systems and contribute to the development of next-generation strategic missile and hypersonic systems. Responsibilities Develop and utilize modeling and simulation tools to conduct trade studies, performance assessments, and design studies of missile and reentry systems and/or hypersonic vehicles. Participate in test and evaluation activities, including test operations and pre‑/post‑flight evaluations. Use computational tools to analyze data and draw conclusions based on data trends and evidence. Collaborate with cross‑discipline teams to advise government and industry partners on engineering challenges and design trades. Communicate findings to team members and government partners. Evolve current analysis methodologies and create novel solutions to problems in the field. Mentor staff in new techniques and methods for problem solving. Qualifications PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related STEM discipline. Passion for missile modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, missile guidance, navigation, or control, propulsion, optimization, mechanical design, and/or test and evaluation. Demonstrated experience with technical report writing. Experience with presentations and public speaking. Coding experience with MATLAB or Python. Experience with data analysis. Initiative, interest in skill development, and flexibility to take on varied assignments. Ability to obtain an interim Secret level clearance by start date and ultimate Top‑Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Navy or Air Force strategic missile or reentry systems. Programming experience in Simulink, Simscape, and/or C/C++. Experience with AI techniques for data analysis. Experience with advanced computational math methods and optimal control. Experience influencing project direction through data analysis. Experience driving innovation and providing technical leadership. Experience with software version control (GIT, GitLab, etc.). Experience with optimal control software (OTIS, POST, GPOPS). Experience developing 3DoF and/or 6DoF simulations. Benefits & Compensation Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory