Space Warfighting Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Description

Do you want to develop expertise in modeling, simulating, and analyzing the capabilities that support national defense?

Are you motivated by open-ended, difficult modeling tasks that directly impact United States Space Force operations, activities, and investments?

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

The Space Control Systems Group within APL's Space Exploration Sector applies modeling, simulation, and analysis to some of the nation's most challenging national security space problems. Our team works to understand and assess the capabilities, systems, and technologies that support U.S. Space Force operations and inform future operational decisions and investments.

Our work spans multiple facets of the Space Control mission, including Space Situational Awareness, Defensive Space Control, and Offensive Space Control. We apply modeling and simulation, multi-domain operational planning, tactics and techniques, test and evaluation, threat analysis, performance assessments, space warfighting operations, and force design to assess space control effectiveness. Our staff bring expertise from fields including engineering, physics, astronomy, applied mathematics, and computer science and frequently leverage programming tools such as C, C++, MATLAB, and Python, as well as modeling tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Astrogator, Thermal Desktop, and PTC Creo.

As a Space Warfighting Modeling and Simulation Engineer, you will...

• Work alongside experienced analysts to develop new models and leverage existing models to conduct system- and mission-level analyses supporting national security space missions.
• Translate operational and technical questions into well-defined simulation studies and analytical approaches.
• Design and execute modeling and simulation experiments, analyze results, and develop technically defensible conclusions.
• Investigate sensor performance in support of tracking and object discrimination.
• Evaluate expected system and mission performance resulting from hardware or operational modifications.
• Analyze the impact of data latency and other system-level factors on mission success.
• Apply programming and computational tools such as C, C++, MATLAB, and Python to support modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts.
• Use modeling and engineering tools such as Systems Tool Kit (STK), Astrogator, Thermal Desktop, and PTC Creo, as appropriate, to support technical investigations.
• Collaborate with experienced analysts and technical experts while building your knowledge of space systems, operations, and mission-level analysis.
• Explore Space Situational Awareness, including the knowledge and characterization of space objects and the operational environment for space operations.
• Support Defensive Space Control analyses focused on protecting U.S. and coalition partners' space capabilities from attack, interference, and unintentional hazards.
• Support Offensive Space Control analyses focused on capabilities designed to deter or counter adversary hostile actions in space.
• Communicate analytical approaches, results, and technically sound conclusions through briefings, reports, visualizations, and other technical products.
• Grow your expertise in the space domain while applying your technical skills to increasingly complex mission-level modeling and simulation challenges.

Because our work supports defense and intelligence community sponsors, staff in this role must successfully complete the required security screening process to obtain a Top Secret security clearance and be able to work primarily in classified environments.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Have 2+ years of professional experience in modeling, simulation, computational analysis, or a related technical area. Relevant coursework, research, internships, or technical project experience may also be considered.
• Have experience using programming or scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, Linux/BASH, or similar tools
• Have demonstrated ability to analyze technical data and draw conclusions from the results
• Are able to communicate technical approaches and results to others
• Are willing and able to occasionally travel to sponsor locations
• Are self-directed and detail oriented
• Able to obtain a TS/SCI level security clearance with accesses. 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master's or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Have hands-on experience developing, modifying, executing, or analyzing simulations through coursework, research, internships, or technical projects
• Have experience with AFSIM or comparable modeling and simulation environments
• Have experience using Python, MATLAB, Linux/BASH, or similar tools to develop, execute, or analyze simulations
• Have research or internship experience involving space systems, weapon systems, sensors, tracking, or other national security applications
• Hold a security clearance or have experience working in the national security community

About Us

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.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually