Job Description

Are you passionate about applying your knowledge of statistical parameter estimation and mathematical modeling to solve real world problems?

Are you interested in ensuring our nation’s future strategic deterrence capability?

Do you love to solve challenging problems and aren’t afraid to think outside the box?

Do you enjoy developing expertise in new technical areas to solve complex problems?

Would you like to be part of a culture that promotes employee growth, collaborative innovation and inspired leadership?

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

The Weapon System Modeling, Evaluation and Planning Group within the Force Projection Sector of the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Weapon System Modeling and Estimation Researcher to help us evaluate system-level accuracy of the nation's most significant strategic deterrents. The ideal candidate will work on complex, multi-discipline problems with a team of experts to offer technical contributions to improve current and next generation U.S. Strategic Systems.

As a Researcher in the Weapon System Modeling, Evaluation and Planning Group You Will:

• Contribute to the design and development of our nation’s future sea-based and ground-based strategic weapon systems
• Perform modeling and simulation studies to assess subsystem performance characteristics and their effects on total weapon system accuracy
• Innovate and implement statistical estimation and physics-based analysis methodologies to evaluate and improve the accuracy performance of submarine launched and intercontinental ballistic missiles
• Shape flight test instrumentation performance requirements to ensure that future weapon system Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) accuracy objectives are met
• Provide tactically relevant predictions of Trident II accuracy estimated from actual flight test data to United States Strategic Command
• Learn the physics of submarine launched and intercontinental ballistic missiles including guidance, navigation and reentry aerodynamics
• Use elements of mathematics, physics, statistics, computer science, and application-specific knowledge to gather, make, and communicate principled conclusions from data to internal and external stakeholders

You meet our minimum qualifications for the Weapon System Modeling and Estimation Researcher position if you...

• Possess a PhD in applied math, applied statistics, physics, engineering, or a closely related field
• Have solid knowledge of statistical foundations (e.g. distributions, parameter estimation with confidence bounds, etc…)
• Have professional experience applying statistical methods to data, such as non-parametric tests, maximum likelihood estimators, or Bayesian methods.
• Are skilled in scientific programming using a high-level language, such as C++, MATLAB, or Python
• Have strong attention to detail and a commitment to minimizing errors
• Are a natural self-starter who prides themselves on delivering quality products
• Possess outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Effectively collaborate with all levels of staff, external collaborators and sponsors
• Are willing and able to occasionally travel to meetings and sponsor sites
• Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a final 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 exceed our minimum requirements with experience in any of the following...

• Hold an active Secret security clearance or higher
• Have research, development, or analysis experience in some or all of the following:
• Submarine launched or intercontinental ballistic missile accuracy assessment
• Statistical signal processing and/or stochastic processes
• Detection and estimation theory
• Kalman filtering methods and state space modeling
• Modeling and simulation techniques
• Probability theory
• System identification methods
• Spectral estimation and fitting methods
• Inertial navigation and guidance algorithms
• Next generation inertial measurement units and sensors
• Machine learning algorithms and data mining

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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