PhD Graduate – Strategic Deterrent Nuclear Survivability Analyst - System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group

Are you interested in applying your STEM background to strategic deterrence and defense?

Are you searching for important physics/engineering-based analysis work, where you can contribute to some of our country's most fascinating security challenges?

Are you interested in research that will make the next generation of U.S. Strategic Systems more survivable, reliable, and credible?

If you are graduating with a PhD in math, physics, engineering, or a closely related field, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The System Modeling, Evaluation, and Planning Group within the Force Projection Sector of the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic physicist and/or engineer to take on the position of Strategic Deterrent Nuclear Survivability Analyst. The ideal candidate will work on complex, multi-disciplinary problems with a team of experts to offer technical contributions to the improve the next generation of U.S. Strategic Systems.

We are looking for capable analysts who will do some of the following:

• Work with a talented and inclusive multi-disciplinary technical team
• Perform modeling and simulation tasks to understand, evaluate, and characterize nuclear weapon environments and effects
• Identify opportunities to inform and analyze system requirements
• Produce data and then perform analysis of that data
• Perform independent analysis of third-party results and summarize conclusions
• Present work and results to other technical staff members, management, and government organizations
• Expand your technical skillset to include additional nuclear hardness and survivability areas.
• Run third party software in a Linux and/or Windows environment

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a PhD in physics, nuclear engineering, or electrical engineering, or a closely related field
• Are familiar with radiation environments and the principles of radiation interactions with matter
• Are familiar with MATLAB and/or other coding platforms
• Have strong attention to detail
• Have knowledge of data analysis, computational physics, or computational engineering
• Have the ability to obtain an Interim Secret level clearance prior to starting with the ability to ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. Applicant selected 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 exceed our minimum requirements if you…

• Have High Energy Particle Physics, Thermal Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Weapon Effects, or Plasma Physics knowledge
• Have nuclear weapons effects modeling and simulation experience
• Have applied radiation testing methods and used radiation testing facilities
• Have experience with radiation effects on materials and electronic parts for strategic systems
• Have education and/or hands‑on experience in systems engineering
• Are comfortable working with Linux
• Have some past experience in one of the National Laboratories
• Have experience with MCNP, GEANT, ENDF, NJOY, DIORAMA, or similar code
• Have prior experience with tactical or strategic missile systems
• Hold an active Secret clearance

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…