Thermal and Infrared Signature Analyst

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to impact significant advances to the nation’s groundbreaking integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) systems? Are you an engineer driven to expand your skills in order to solve both current and emerging needs of the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC)? Would you like to join a team of skilled engineers and scientists to advance thermal and Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) capabilities?

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

We are seeking a creative, driven, and motivated engineer to join a dynamic group that provides outstanding engineering services and products. As a member of our team you will collaborate, contribute, and innovate to further our capabilities against rapid proliferation of adversarial systems.

• Apply strong attention to detail to predict EO/IR signature phenomenologies of missiles, rocket motor plumes, air platforms, and relevant background scenes in endo- and exo‑atmospheric flight conditions in support of IAMD technology development and other programs.
• Interact with various domain authorities to grow your knowledge base related to overall weapon systems, and apply that knowledge to improve analysis methodologies.
• Collaborate with senior developers to improve existing code suites, with the goal of maintaining our team’s status as a leading authority in the IR signature community.
• Compare predictions with wind tunnel, laboratory, flight‑test data, and literature.
• Work independently and as part of a team to craft exploratory studies to characterize the impacts of specific phenomena on various weapon systems’ performance.
• Document and present findings to government agencies and sponsors.

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace engineering (or a related field).
• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in a field related to heat transfer, thermal analysis, aerothermodynamics, radiation transport, or infrared signatures.
• Experience with programming/coding/scripting using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C++, or Shell.
• Preferred experience using Linux‑based computing environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A history of meaningful contributions to multidisciplinary teams on a variety of engineering problems.
• The ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date, and ultimately obtain a Secret security clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

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.

Apl celebrates differences of perspectives and encourages 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 http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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 accommodations.

$100,000 Annually

$245,000 Annually

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We are now directing you to the original job posting. Please apply directly for this job at the employer’s website.