Weapons Systems Accuracy Analyst

Do you love learning about complex systems and how their subsystems work together to achieve a mission need?

Are you excited to apply physics-based dynamical models and fit stochastic models to real-world weapon system data?

Do you want your analysis to become the basis for government decisions including performance improvements for next-generation systems?

Would you enjoy collaborating with scientists, engineers, and senior government sponsors, and producing reports that directly support national security?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL).

As a Weapon-System Accuracy Analyst you will ...

• Assess the accuracy of shipboard, missile, and reentry systems, and translate those results into system-level accuracy predictions.
• Use dynamical models of sensors, aerodynamics, and actuated systems to evaluate performance at both a system and subsystem level
• Work with real flight-test and simulation data and apply statistical techniques (regression analysis, hypothesis tests, maximum likelihood estimation) to extract meaningful performance metrics.
• Produce clear written reports and concise oral briefings that senior government sponsors rely on when setting requirements, planning flight-test campaigns, and deciding on next-generation designs.
• Interact with sponsors and partner organizations, answer technical questions, present results, and incorporate feedback into the next round of analysis.
• Help junior team members learn the same techniques, fostering a collaborative, mission-focused environment.

• Hold a B.S. in physics, applied mathematics, engineering, systems engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Have 3+ years of professional experience doing quantitative analysis or modeling and simulation of complex systems.
• Are comfortable building physics-based models (e.g., using Newton's laws, sensor error budgets) and applying basic statistical methods to evaluate the performance of complex systems.
• Possess proficiency with MATLAB, Python, or C++ for scientific computing (writing scripts, plotting results, debugging).
• Have strong written and oral communication skills, and you can explain technical material to both experts and non-experts.
• Enjoy working on a team, sharing ideas, and collaborating with people from different disciplines.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top 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.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you ...

• Have a M.S. or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline (physics, applied mathematics, engineering, etc.).
• Have experience applying software best practices including object-oriented programming in C++, MATLAB, or Python, unit testing, continuous-integration, and Git version control.
• Have applied estimation techniques such as Kalman filtering, particle/unscented filters, or maximum-likelihood methods that use Fisher information.
• Have direct worked on strategic missile, submarine, or flight-test programs (e.g., SLBM, ICBM, or related launch-vehicle subsystems).
• Have experience developing requirements and verification plans for new weapon-system designs or flight-test campaigns.
• Are familiar with next-generation inertial measurement units, sensors, and related hardware.
• Possess an active Secret (or higher) clearance at the time you apply.
• Have experience presenting technical results to senior government sponsors and influencing design or test-planning decisions.

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

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.