Advanced Reentry Mission Engineer

Mission Engineer

Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping? Do you want to make contributions to next generation strategic flight systems that ensure the readiness of our Nation's defenses? If so, we are seeking a Mission Engineer to help us analyze, develop and prototype next generation reentry systems, hypersonic vehicles, and enabling technologies. As a member of our team, you'll be making critical contributions to system level objectives and advance the development of these next generation systems.

You will be joining a collaborative team who are passionate about innovation, committed to providing engaging challenging work, and promoting personal development.

As an Advanced Reentry Mission Engineer you will:

• Develop, apply, and refine mission-level models and analysis tools to evaluate advanced reentry, hypersonic, and related defense system concepts.
• Contribute to mission performance trade studies by translating mission objectives and system concepts into analysis approaches, measures of effectiveness, performance metrics, and simulation cases.
• Run and interpret trajectory, weapon effects, engagement, and scenario-based simulations to assess system performance, operational utility, survivability, and sensitivity to key assumptions.
• Support analysis of system-of-systems interactions, concepts of operations, mission timelines, threat environments, and capability gaps for emerging defense applications.
• Develop, maintain, and document analysis workflows, model assumptions, data inputs, functional decompositions, and mission architecture artifacts that support design reviews and acquisition decisions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of JHU/APL engineers, government sponsors, military operators, and industry partners to integrate analysis results into concept development and system design activities.
• Produce reports, briefings, visualizations, and technical summaries that communicate mission analysis results, trade-space findings, uncertainties, and recommendations to technical and sponsor audiences.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Have 3 years of relevant experience in mission engineering, mission analysis, systems engineering, aerospace/mechanical engineering, operations analysis, modeling and simulation, or related defense/aerospace work.
• Have experience developing, using, or interpreting mission-level models/analyses, trajectory simulations, engagement simulations, weapon effects analyses, trade studies, or performance assessments.
• Have experience contributing to cross-functional technical teams of engineers, analysts, operators, or government stakeholders.
• Are familiar with early concept development efforts, including capability gap assessments, mission performance trade studies, requirements analysis, and risk assessment.
• Have demonstrated ability to communicate technical results clearly in written reports, briefings, and discussions with multidisciplinary teams.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain 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 Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Operations Research, or a related discipline.
• Have knowledge of ballistic missile defense systems and their components (e.g., radars, interceptors, command and control).
• Have exposure to the design, development, modeling, simulation, or analysis of reentry, hypersonic, missile defense, or space systems and relevant technologies.
• Have experience supporting technical engagement with government sponsors, defense industry partners, or other external collaborators.
• Have knowledge of the Navy Trident II Strategic Weapon System and/or Air Force Minuteman III ICBM System.

About Us

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for…