2027 PhD Graduate - Advanced Concept Engineer

Shape the next generation of U.S. weapon systems. Join APL's Multidisciplinary Design Optimization team to tackle the complex, open-ended engineering problems that define future missions, systems, and kill chains.

Influence critical decisions through advanced technical approaches. Work directly with technical experts and sponsors to transform emerging operational needs into credible concepts and provide the technical insight needed to shape future programs.

Explore problems across an assorted mission space. Work across a broad portfolio with a high degree of autonomy, ownership, and freedom to pursue new ideas.

Join a team that sees the big picture. Work alongside driven, creative engineers who connect technical depth with systems-level thinking to address current and emerging needs of the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

As a Senior Advanced Concept Engineer, you will:

• Conduct multidisciplinary trade, optimization, sensitivity, and system-of-systems studies to develop and evaluate next-generation missile and weapon concepts.
• Analyze problems spanning missile design and performance, mission planning, fire control and weapon scheduling, ballistic missile defense, anti-air warfare, hypersonic defense, defensive space control, and early-stage hardware design.
• Formulate, develop, and implement state-of-the-art physics-based/empirical models for conceptual design and performance analysis of U.S. and adversary weapon systems.
• Distill complex technical analysis into actionable insights; communicate findings to technical experts, executive management, and government sponsors to inform critical technical and programmatic decisions.
• Translate operational needs and real-world constraints into mathematical formulations suitable for modeling, simulation, and optimization.
• Identify and adapt cutting-edge methods from industry and academia to bring new approaches to complex defense challenges.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD, or soon to be awarded, in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in at least one aerospace system or subsystem discipline, such as vehicle design, propulsion, aerodynamics, GNC, or sensors.
• Experience in one or more relevant technical areas such as trajectory optimization, aerothermal modeling and analysis, or mechanical design of aerospace systems.
• Ability to translate real-world problems and constraints into mathematical models and draw meaningful conclusions from numerical results.
• Demonstrated ability to independently tackle unfamiliar, open-ended technical problems.
• Proficiency in a programming language such as MATLAB, Python, or C++.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance to start and a final Top Secret/ SCI level security clearance. Eligibility requires 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.

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 at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.