Flight Test Mission Planning Engineer - Laurel - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Description

Ever wonder how to make flight tests safe, effective, and successful, sometimes in real time?

Are you searching for meaningful work supporting the defense of our Nation?

Then we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL 

We are looking for a motivated engineer ready to dive into mission planning and analysis for some of the most technically demanding aerospace and hypersonic test events in the country. Our team is passionate about leading innovative test events and activities, and strives to foster an environment of collaboration and innovation. We love to connect with other specialists from across the laboratory to contribute varied perspectives, and collaborate on groundbreaking interdisciplinary efforts to make each flight test successful.

As a member of our team, expect to engage with both big-picture flight test strategy and in technical analysis details. We tackle everything from planning and organization of missions and analysis of flight safety, to real-time execution and post-test analysis. Hypersonic systems, space dynamics, and integrated defense architectures are all areas we touch. It's a space where critical thinking, creativity, and accountability go hand-in-hand.

What to Expect as a Flight Test Mission Planning Engineer...

• Analyze test scenarios, vehicle trajectories, intercept geometries, and launch safety hazards—including satellite collision avoidance and protected zone assessments.
• Assess safe launch windows and viewing opportunities for complex flight test missions, evaluating risk pre-mission and in real time.
• Build tools and streamline workflows—MATLAB is most commonly used, but flexibility and creative problem-solving using all of APL's available tools are most important.
• Collaborate with experts across and outside APL in radar systems, space tracking, orbital safety, debris modeling, hardware development, and mission engineering technologies.
• Work is primarily on our Laurel, MD campus with roughly 15 % travel to domestic and/or international test ranges, contractor sites, or sponsor venues.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or a related field.
• Experience or coursework in technical areas such as trajectory modeling, propulsion, aerodynamics, or orbital mechanics.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or analysis language—MATLAB and Python are especially useful.
• Strong communication skills—clear writing, confident speaking, and the ability to work through ideas with teammates.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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 go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a Master's degree or have direct experience in test and evaluation, aerospace systems, or mission modeling.
• Have familiarity with tools like STK, TAOS, or other flight simulation environments.
• Have experience working in operations, testing, or rapid-response environments—military, academic, or civilian.

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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually