Are you passionate about astrodynamics, optimization, 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 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 in the mission design process, 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. We are passionate about our work, striving to cultivate an environment of partnership and collaboration, and committed to making critical contributions to critical challenges.

• Your primary responsibility will be trajectory design of Earth, Lunar, and interplanetary space missions for both civilian and DoD applications.

• You will evaluate and design 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 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.

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

• Possess a MS in Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
• Have previous experience or significant coursework in the astrodynamics, optimization, dynamical systems, mathematics, and computer science.
• Possess or are willing to acquire knowledge of GPS and ground-based orbit estimation 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 5 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 stakeholders.
• Have experience in common astrodynamics software environments such as Monte, STK, Copernicus, FreeFlyer, or GMAT.
• Possess an active Top Secret clearance (or above).

Why work at APL?

While the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world-class expertise to a broad range of challenges, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, innovation ecosystem where you can feel safe to share ideas and to continue to grow personally and professionally. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas and have earned Best Places to Work accolades in outlets such as Fast Companies and Glassdoor.

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 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.