Description

Do you want to become an expert in the defense of our Nation’s critical space infrastructure?

 

Perhaps you’ve heard about the standing up of the United States Space Force in December 2019, the first new military service in over 70 years. Maybe you know about the reestablishment of the United States Space Command in August 2019? Ever wondered why this is all happening? Check out the CBS 60 Minutes episode, The Battle Above, the CNN documentary, War in Space, and the Defense Intelligence Agency 2022 report on Challenges to Security in Space to learn more.

 

The Space Control Systems Group of the APL's Space Exploration Sector primarily focuses on the Space Control mission area that has three components:

• Space Domain Awareness – knowledge and characterization of space objects and the operational environment upon which space operations depend
• Defensive Space Control – active and passive means to protect United States and coalition partners’ space capabilities from attack, interference, or unintentional hazards
• Offensive Space Control – deterrence of adversary hostile actions in space by fielding capabilities that negate an adversary’s use of space

Our group tackles these challenges by developing modeling and simulation, multi-domain operation plans, tactics and techniques, test and evaluation plans, threat analyses, performance assessments, space warfighting operations, and force designs.

 

Our staff comes from a variety of backgrounds and heavily leverage programming skills (e.g., C, C++, MATLAB, Python) and modeling skills (e.g., Systems Tool Kit, Astrogator, Thermal Desktop, PTC Creo). We hire from many disciplines including engineering, physics, astronomy, applied mathematics, and computer science.

 

If you are willing to learn about space, apply your skills to a completely new defense domain, enjoy computer simulations and programming, and want to be a part of developing payloads and spacecraft, you might very well be the perfect addition to our group.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Are skilled in technologies related to space control applications
• Are willing and able to occasionally travel to sponsor locations
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance and can ultimately obtain 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master's in Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Hold a current Top Secret clearance with SCI adjudication
• Have research experience in one of many group fields mentioned above
• Have internship experience in national security

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually