Mission Design

Description
Are you passionate about astrodynamics, optimization, spacecraft navigation, and modern computing?

Would you love to apply your technical knowledge and creativity to make innovative contributions to some of the nation's most challenging and rewarding space missions?

Are you searching for a collaborative, fulfilling work environment?

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

Our spacecraft reach the extremes of the solar system, from Parker Solar Probe at the Sun, New Horizons at Pluto and beyond, and everything in between. 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.
• You will be expected to leverage and garner relationships across industry and academia to tackle our most critical challenges.
• You will be required to stay abreast of recent advances in academia and industry and apply these concepts to problems of interest.

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

• 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.
• Possess or are willing to acquire knowledge of GPS, ground-based orbit estimation techniques, or optical navigation techniques.
• 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. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

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

• 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.

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

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

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
$102,500 Annually

Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually