2024 Graduate - Laurel, United States - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Description

Do you enjoy diverse problem solving and applying your skills across a broad range of applications and research?

Do you have a passion for the design, analysis, simulation, and prototyping of innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?

If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for newly graduating engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and scientists like you. Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading next generation algorithm development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:

• Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
• Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
• Hardware/Software Development and Test
• Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We are seeking creative problem solvers with diverse capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and fostering a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.

As a member of our team you will have the opportunity to...

• Pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
• Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics.
• Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
• Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
• Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.
• Team up with other guidance, navigation, and control engineers, working together to analyze, design, and implement control solutions to an array of systems.

Our team works on a diverse set of subject areas that feed into the design of an autonomous system. The following sections provide some more background on those unique areas:

Guidance, Navigation, and Control

• We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
• Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems.
• Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
• Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization

Modeling and Simulation

• We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
• Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
• Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
• Skills: Dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization.

Hardware/Software Development and Testing

• We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
• Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems.
• Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
• Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in an Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace or similar engineering field; Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Have classroom experience one or more of our core skills: guidance and controls, modeling and simulation, inertial navigation, embedded systems, software development, artificial intelligence, optimization, and dynamics.
• Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C++, Python, or other languages
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

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

• Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nations 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. APLs campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at

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 Only by ensuring that everyones voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.