2025 PhD Graduate - Guidance, Navigation, and Control

Do you want to join a high performing team conducting cutting-edge basic and applied research of advanced estimation and control algorithms across a multitude of different weapon systems?

Are you ready to apply your PhD to tackle challenging, novel problems facing the nation's Air and Missile Defense community?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Engineering or Applied Mathematics and want to help us perform basic and applied research in controls and autonomy, concept development, detailed design and analysis, and flight testing of evolutionary and revolutionary missile interceptors, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are interested in candidates who have a core skillset in autonomy, controls, dynamics, or mechatronics, a broad technical background, and a passion for using new theoretic techniques to solve challenging problems.Candidates should have demonstrated experience applying their broad skillset to a diverse array of technical challenges, and show an ability to act independently to identify, learn, develop, implement, and share the techniques needed to solve a wide variety of problems. Our team is also committed to developing exceptional engineering talent and fostering a diverse culture of innovation and collaboration.

As a member of our team, you will be able to...

• Research, develop, implement, and evaluate advanced guidance, navigation, control, and analysis algorithms to enable next-generation weapon systems to intercept stressing threats.
• Propose, lead, and/or participate in research and development efforts related to development of new weapon system algorithms and technologies.
• Perform modeling, simulation, and performance assessment of guided missile systems to support conceptual design through flight testing.
• Share your concepts and findings with other team members, APL management, and external sponsors and research communities.

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

• Are a current PhD candidate in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
• Have at least two years of relevant academic work (formal dissertation/research) involving control theory AND one or more of the following areas: robotics, guidance algorithms, machine learning, path planning, state estimation, multi-agent systems, SLAM, or optimization.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and on a team
• Are proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, and/or C++.
• Are able to travel occasionally to support flight testing or technical meetings at sponsor or contractor facilities
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance to start. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation for a final Secret level clearance 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 PhD in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
• Have professional/internship experience in control theory and one or more of the areas listed above
• Have experience proposing and leading applied research efforts
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance

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 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 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.

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.