AFSIM Developer

Requirements

• – Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related technical discipline.
• – At least 3 years of strong C++ experience for framework-level development and plugin implementation.
• – At least 3 years of hands-on AFSIM experience, including scenario creation, plugin work, model integration, or core framework extensions.
• – Background in modeling and simulation, ideally within aerospace, space, or mission-level multi-domain environments.
• – Familiarity with object-oriented design, modular architectures, and simulation development best practices.
• – Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for collaborative, high-impact work.
• – Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by the start date and ultimately qualify for TS/SCI access; U.S. citizenship is required.
• – Preferred qualifications include space-domain modeling experience, scripting in Python, MATLAB, or Lua, and knowledge of electronic warfare, cyber effects, or multi-domain operations.
• – Additional advantages include experience with tools such as STK or NGTS, support for DoD or Space Force analysis, wargaming, or acquisition programs, and familiarity with AFSIM supporting tools and scripting.
• – Active TS/SCI clearance is considered a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and integrate custom AFSIM plugins, models, and scenarios for space-focused simulations covering orbital dynamics, satellite constellations, sensing, communications, electronic warfare, and multi-domain effects.
• Extend the AFSIM framework through its modular C++ architecture to enable new capabilities, behaviors, and data connections.
• Create and maintain scenario definitions, input files, and scripting logic to support rapid evaluation of force design alternatives.
• Verify and validate models against reference data, engineering models, or higher-fidelity tools.
• Run simulations, examine outputs, and produce visualizations and metrics that support analysis and decision-making.
• Connect AFSIM with other tools such as STK, MATLAB, and Python-based data pipelines for hybrid workflows and post-processing.
• Incorporate real-world data, threat representations, and emerging technologies into the simulation environment.
• Contribute documentation, user guides, and knowledge sharing across the modeling and simulation community.

Company:

We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where we apply world-class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We offer a welcoming and collaborative culture that encourages authenticity, creativity, growth, and strong team connections. Our employees benefit from generous support, including education assistance, substantial retirement contributions, and a healthy work-life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, and we also provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the posted salary range is $100,000 to $245,000 annually.