Mission Design

Whether it is developing the next Jovian moon tour, calculating an optimal low-thrust trajectory, optimizing the configurations of formation flight, or applying modern scientific computing to optical and radiometric navigation, there is a wellspring of intellectually rewarding challenges for the right candidate.
 
We are seeking a self-motivated engineer who will lead and participate with our mission design / navigation teams with both the civil space and national security space mission areas, from conception to flight. You will have the opportunity to support both pre-launch mission development and post-launch optimization and planning. Contributing directly to our continuously evolving code-base and individually pursuing IR&D funding, you will work with our team to ensure that APL is on the cutting edge of trajectory design and spacecraft navigation. We are passionate about our work, striving to cultivate an environment of partnership and collaboration, and committed to making critical contributions to critical challenges.
 
 
As a Mission Design / Navigation Engineer...
Your primary responsibility will be trajectory design of Earth, Cislunar, Lunar, and interplanetary space missions for both civilian and DoD applications.
You will design and evaluate mission concepts by drawing from a strong understanding of first principles and from modern or high-performance computing methods.
You will provide intellectual leadership to emerging mission concepts and methods of analysis.
You will hold a vital role on projects while working across teams composed of experts in other engineering disciplines, scientists, and program managers.
You will be expected to contribute to cutting edge trajectory design and navigation methodologies through independent research and development.
Possess a MS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
Have significant coursework in the astrodynamics, optimization, dynamical systems, mathematics, navigation techniques, and computer science.
Have at least 4 years of experience in spacecraft mission design, navigation, or another rigorous technical field.
Are skilled in analytical and numerical computing, such as C++, Fortran, MATLAB, Python, and/or Java.
Are willing and able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Possess a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
Have at least 10 years of experience in spacecraft mission design, navigation, or another rigorous technical field.
Have experience with cloud computing, estimation theory, evolutionary algorithms, convex/stochastic optimization or have taught related courses.
Have experience participating in agile software development projects involving many stake holders.
Have experience in common astrodynamics software environments such as Monte, STK, ODTK, Copernicus, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.
Possess an active Top Secret clearance (or above).
Have possessed and are familiar with network access to DoD related systems.
 
 
#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. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. 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. 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. 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.