Job Description

Are you passionate about Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)?

Are you intrigued by evaluating missile and hypersonic aerospace vehicle performance using advanced simulation tools and real flight test data?

Are you up to the challenge of working with and learning from specialists in the field of inertial navigation and state estimation?

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

We are seeking an inquisitive engineer with a background or strong interest in Inertial Navigation and Estimation to help us evaluate the performance of our nation’s most advanced hypersonic and ballistic missile systems.

As a Flight Analysis Engineer, your primary responsibilities will be to...

• Analyze flight test data collected from navigation sensors including inertial measurement units (IMU), Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, RADAR, or other sensor systems.
• Develop proficiency with analysis tools and methods to understand overall flight performance of ballistic and hypersonic missile and reentry systems.
• Support the design, development, and maintenance of flight analysis software and procedures required to evaluate current and future flight system performance.
• Present findings to a broad internal audience as well as sponsors and external organizations at working groups, post-flight briefings, and program reviews.
• Collaborate with experts in industry and academia to gain a better understanding of weapon system performance and accuracy.

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

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field).
• Have 1+ years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: Optimal Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, Flight Dynamics, or Flight Data Analysis.
• Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
• Are proficient in Matlab.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (potentially 2-3 trips per year with a duration of one week or less).
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 an M.S. (or above) in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field) or 3+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Have experience evaluating the performance of aerospace vehicles using real-world test data (IMU, GPS, RADAR, or similar) and have a strong understanding of their dynamics.
• Have proficiency with simulation tools (functional or covariance) that predict the performance of dynamic systems.
• Currently hold an active Secret clearance (or above).

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.

At APL, we celebrate our differences 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 at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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