2025 PhD Graduate - Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Are you excited to develop innovative solutions to revolutionize the design, analysis, and optimization of US weapon systems?

Do you want to work in an environment that encourages you to guide your own career through exposure to a diverse set of novel problems and multidisciplinary teams?

If so, then we're looking for someone like you to join the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) team as a weapon system concept development engineer at APL. We need driven, creative thinkers to help engineer solutions to current and emerging needs of the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

We are a technically diverse group that thrives on creativity and impact, with an affinity for ambiguous, novel problems that span engineering and warfighting domains. As part of our team, you will find yourself communicating the essential impact of systems-level thinking with subject matter experts, internal management, and APL sponsors to address the threats of tomorrow.

As a Weapon System Concept Development Engineer, you will:

• Identify, investigate, and solve multi-disciplinary problems with respect to aerospace vehicle design and kill chain engineering. Conduct trade, optimization, and sensitivity studies to inform and lead concept development for the next generation of missile and/or weapon systems, including system-of-systems considerations.
• Apply yourself across a diverse work portfolio, including missile design and performance, mission planning, fire control/weapon scheduling, ballistic missile defense, anti-air warfare, hypersonic defense, defensive space control applications, and early-stage hardware design.
• Develop and apply state of the art physics-based and empirical models and simulations for the conceptual design and performance estimation of U.S. and adversary weapon systems.
• Help guide technical programs to successful outcomes with clear communication to APL partners and sponsors, and identify potential future projects through sponsor engagement and internal research and development.
• Apply state of the art processes outside of the defense domain to supplement APL's offerings to sponsors.

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

• Have a PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or similar discipline
• Familiarity with aerospace problems and focused experience in at least one system or subsystem-level discipline (e.g. vehicle design, solid/liquid propulsion, aerodynamics, guidance, seekers, trajectory optimization, etc.)
• Experience with at least one of the following advanced design methods: numerical optimization, multidisciplinary design optimization, and statistical modeling techniques such as the formal sensitivity analysis, uncertainty quantification, and surrogate/metamodeling (e.g. response surface equations, neural nets, etc.).
• Ability to codify real-world constraints into representative mathematical models which are usable within optimization algorithms, and subsequently draw meaningful conclusions from numerical results.
• Proficiency with a programming language (MATLAB, Python, C++, etc.), as well as an appetite for MATLAB programming.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. If you are 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.

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 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.

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.