Modeling & Simulation Research Engineer

Description

Do you love digging into how real-world systems actually behave, and distilling that into software through requirements generation, code design, and analysis?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our Air Combat and Strike Mission Analysis team at APL.

We are seeking a research-minded engineer to help us turn mission-level simulation into decisions that shape next-generation strike and air-dominance systems. You'll be joining our team of developers and analysts who work together to create a variety of solutions to multifaceted challenges.

As a Research Engineer, you will:

Develop software (approximately half time):

Develop and validate C++ modeling and simulation capabilities representing multi-domain mission-system behaviors, carrying them from requirements and code design through implementation.

Build Python and C++ tools for scenario generation, data processing, and regression of simulations.

Perform research and analysis (approximately half time):

Conduct research and development (R&D) on real-world mission-system behaviors, grounding our models in how systems actually perform before they ever hit the simulator.

Analyze simulation output to assess military utility, system requirements, and capability tradeoffs.

Translate analyst needs into modeling requirements that drive our simulation work.

Qualifications

• You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…
• Have a Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, software engineering, or a related field.
• Have demonstrated experience building robust, maintainable software with modern C++17 or newer, including numerical methods or modeling complex phenomena.
• Are proficient in Python for analysis and automation.
• Have experience designing and conducting experiments using simulation, modeling, or data-driven methods to evaluate hypotheses and inform technical decisions.
• Have experience translating research concepts, algorithms, or analytical results into practical software prototypes and evaluating their performance.
• Can communicate clearly with developers and end-users about technical issues, tradeoffs, and new features.
• Are passionate about learning new concepts and growing personal skills.
• Are able to obtain the associated required Special Access Program (SAP) level access.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…
• Have a Master's or PhD in a related field.
• Have experience with the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) and its plugins.
• Have experience with communications, sensing, tracking and filtering, data fusion, or electronic warfare.
• Have experience applying machine learning to physics or engineering problems.
• Have experience running simulations on high-performance computing platforms.
• Are familiar with DevSecOps — GitLab, Docker, CMake, and Conan.

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 https://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

Accessibility@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

Responsibilities

• Do you love digging into how real-world systems actually behave, and distilling that into software through requirements generation, code design, and analysis?
• If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our Air Combat and Strike Mission Analysis team at APL.

We are seeking a research-minded engineer to help us turn mission-level simulation into decisions that shape next-generation strike and air-dominance systems. You'll be joining our team of developers and analysts who work together to create a variety of solutions to multifaceted challenges.

As a Research Engineer, you will:

Develop software (approximately half time):

Develop and validate C++ modeling and simulation capabilities representing multi-domain mission-system behaviors, carrying them from requirements and code design through implementation.

Build Python and C++ tools for scenario generation, data processing, and regression of simulations.

Perform research and analysis (approximately half time):

Conduct research and development (R&D) on real-world mission-system behaviors, grounding our models in how systems actually perform before they ever hit the simulator.

Analyze simulation output to assess military utility, system requirements, and capability tradeoffs.

Translate analyst needs into modeling requirements that drive our simulation work.

Qualifications

• You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…
• Have a Bachelor's degree in physics, mathematics, software engineering, or a related field.
• Have demonstrated experience building robust, maintainable software with modern C++17 or newer, including numerical methods or modeling complex phenomena.
• Are proficient in Python for analysis and automation.
• Have experience designing and conducting experiments using simulation, modeling, or data-driven methods to evaluate hypotheses and inform technical decisions.
• Have experience translating research concepts, algorithms, or analytical results into practical software prototypes and evaluating their performance.
• Can communicate clearly with developers and end-users about technical issues, tradeoffs, and new features.
• Are passionate about learning new concepts and growing personal skills.
• Are able to obtain the associated required Special Access Program (SAP) level access.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…
• Have a Master's or PhD in a related field.
• Have experience with the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) and its plugins.
• Have experience with communications, sensing, tracking and filtering, data fusion, or electronic warfare.
• Have experience applying machine learning to physics or engineering problems.
• Have experience running simulations on high-performance computing platforms.
• Are familiar with DevSecOps — GitLab, Docker, CMake, and Conan.