• You will interface directly with the sponsor to understand their needs, and work with APL’s Sentinel key leaders, System Definition and Validation Group (KBY) and other line-side key leaders, and fellow members of KBY’s on-site technical team to recommend, support, and execute APL work in support of the Sentinel Program Office’s desire to “own the technical baseline”.
• Your primary responsibility is to serve as part of APL’s forward-based team supporting the Sentinel program which enhances APL’s ability as an organization to support our government sponsor. In doing so, you will maintain regular communications with APL’s program and project managers, line-side leaders and organizations, and fellow members of the KBY on-site technical team to increase awareness of Sentinel activities, developments, decisions, areas of concern, and opportunities where APL can help the Sentinel program.
• You will serve as a technical advisor and subject matter expert to the government for missile navigation and reentry vehicle (RV) accuracy performance. This includes communicating accuracy evaluation results, methodologies, and processes, and acting as a liaison between the government and the APL home campus team.
• You will work with the Sentinel Prime Contractor and other industry partners to advise, review, and contribute to the evaluation of Sentinel test data and the development and testing of accuracy evaluation processes.
• You will participate in and present at navigation accuracy related meetings and broader Guidance, Navigation, and Control meetings.
• You will utilize APL-developed tools, processes, and methodologies to evaluate accuracy across all phases of Sentinel flight and reentry using real flight and ground test data.

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Physics (or closely related technical field), with 5+ of relevant experience.
• Have 3 years of specific experience or in one or more of the following: Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, or Flight Dynamics.
• Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
• Are proficient in Matlab.
• Are a thought leader with a keen ability to influence others.
• Are able to effectively shape the day-to-day tasking to meet sponsor needs, multi-task, and adapt to changing demands with minimal guidance.
• Have exceptionally strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, and ability to interface with senior military and civil service personnel.
• Are willing to relocate to Utah in the vicinity of Hill AFB, with periodic travel to APL, contractor sites, and to other locations.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (potentially 5-6 trips per year of duration one week or less, including travel back to the APL Laurel campus).
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

• Have an M.S. (or above) in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics (or closely related technical field) and/or 5+ years of Estimation Methods (Kalman Filters), Inertial Navigation, or Flight Dynamics experience.
• Have proficiency with simulation tools (functional or covariance) that predict the performance of dynamic systems.
• Are a proven thought leader with sponsor engagement experience.
• Currently hold an active Top Secret clearance (or above).

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.