Job Description

Do you want to be instrumental in developing the first hypersonic weapon systems that will be critical to the defense of the United States?

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

We are seeking a Software Engineer with a large background across missile systems, to assist onsite at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The United States Air Force (USAF) needs a domain specialist in missile flight software to provide independent assessment of their hypersonic programs. Hypersonic vehicles provide novel challenges for development of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) software, including control in the presence of large aerodynamic uncertainties, mission-specific guidance algorithms, and tool development for unique mission planning needs. These issues also create challenges for software testing and evaluation as they move toward fielding these weapon systems. The Air Force and the nation need your help to overcome these challenges!

As a Senior Flight Software Engineer your primary responsibilities will be to... 

• Provide strategic technical support including helping our sponsors understand the technical challenges and suggesting next steps for the U.S Air Force's hypersonic programs.

• Contribute thought leadership to assist the USAF in driving long-term strategy for broader modeling and GN&C-related hypersonic activities.

• Assess the capabilities of performer-generated GN&C software and provide suggestions for improvements to their design.

• Provide key decision makers critical information from simulation and flight test results.

• Serve as a pivotal connection between the sponsor’s offices at Eglin Air Force Base and technical teams in Laurel, MD facilitating cross-organizational collaboration.

• Present your technical findings through briefings to both technical specialists and decision makers.

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related technical subject area.

• Have at least seven years of experience in an engineering discipline, such as software, modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, flight guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion or test and evaluation.

• Have experience with tactical flight software, and are proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, and/or C++.

• Are a highly motivated self-starter, capable of independent operation with excellent communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills.

• Are comfortable with your primary work location being in Fort Walton Beach near Eglin AFB Florida.

• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (10-20% of time, may be higher for first few months) to attend meetings or tests at other government and contractor sites.

• Hold an active Secret security clearance 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.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related discipline.

• Have at least ten years of experience in a missile engineering discipline such as modeling and simulation, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, flight guidance, navigation, and control, propulsion or test and evaluation.

• Have broad exposure to other areas of missile systems such as aerodynamics, aero-thermal, mechanical, RF seekers/sensors, and operations analysis.

• Have experience working with and developing 6DOF modeling and simulation tools related to flight dynamics.

• Have experience designing and testing missiles and related subsystems.

• Have experience with hypersonic systems.

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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