Job Description

Are you seeking to make a critical contribution to the Department of Defense’s newest Service, the United States Space Force (USSF)?

Are you interested in applying your physics, engineering and mathematical skills to solve real-world problems in space applications?

Are you an physicist, engineer, mathematician, statistician, or computer scientist skilled in space systems modeling, simulation and analysis?

If so, we would like to talk to you about serving as the subject matter expert for APL’s Colorado Springs on-site presence working with the USSF Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC). The SWAC is a direct reporting unit in the USSF responsible for conducting analysis, modeling, wargaming, and experimentation to create operational concepts and force design guidance for the service. In addition, the USSF’s SWAC handles the force design and configuration of the nation’s myriad satellite fleets. This on-site support at the sponsor’s facility is in Colorado Springs, Colorado for at least 3 years, with the potential to either extend longer in Colorado, or to be re-posted back to JHU/APL in Laurel, MD.

We are a diverse, collaborative group of scientists, engineers and mathemitician who develop and analyze mission concepts and space-based architectures, develop algorithms for analysis of space-based remote sensing data, and do physics-based modeling and simulation for National Security Space as well as NASA applications.

In this subject matter expert role you will ensure expert guidance is provided for the evaluation of existing and conceptual space systems, using your understanding and experience of physics-based simulations of space-based systems and missions and leveraging APL resources in Laurel and Colorado. You will directly engage with senior members of the SWAC, supporting Department of Defense organizations and the Intelligence Community. As a member of the APL team, you will help execute analysis and inform algorithm and model development for characterizing the performance of space systems, sensors (EO/IR, radar, etc) and constellations.  As a modeling & simulation scientist or engineer you will …

• • Perform modeling studies of space-based remote sensing constellations and systems
  • Contribute to the development and assessment of new space systems
  • Apply your technical expertise and creativity to develop and implement new modeling and analysis tools as needed
  • Develop presentations to effectively community technical results to your team, APL leadership, and government sponsors
  • Work in a collaborative team environment and contribute to our dynamic group culture by pursuing innovative, cross-disciplinary ideas that contribute to the critical challenges facing our nation in space

Our team is a dynamic mix of analysis, software, sensor design, and mission experts responsible for supporting the USSF SWAC in meeting its overall mission.

As APL’s subject matter expert supporting SWAC you will…

• • Serve as a technical expert for the government, making recommendations on space mission/system requirements.
  • Directly work with the government’s technical leads to develop and maintain technical documentation. the Force Design and other similar documents.
  • Work with a team of diverse experts from APL to perform analysis of various space systems to ensure technical questions from the sponsor are addressed by physics-based analysis.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary and cross-organizational teams to advise government and contractor partners on engineering challenges and design trades.
  • Ensure each SWAC division is adequately supported by teams at APL. As needed, identify key technical experts from APL Laurel with domain expertise and knowledge of space systems to support the sponsor.
  • Apply your technical creativity to inform the development and implementation of new analysis tools needed by the APL team.
  • Produce technical reports and presentations to communicate results to team members, government partners, and sponsor leadership.

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

• Possess a PhD Degree in Physics, Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Operation Research or related field.
• Have experience related to modeling, simulation, design of experiments or performance analysis of space-based sensors, and constellation analysis. Have experience with Matlab, STK/ODTK or equivalent programming languages.
• Are skilled in statistical estimation, quantitative evaluation, and/or physics-based modeling.
• Have experience with strategic documents that provide direction and guidance to the Joint Force for planning, programming, and execution of operations.
• Familiar with current force design process/efforts and can work with Joint, Intelligence Community, industry, allies, and other government agencies to enable enterprise solutions.
• Have experience working on government programs in support of United States Space Command and USSF
• Have exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a technical team capable of responding to complex system and mission analysis requirements.
• Are able to collaborate effectively with all levels of APL staff, external collaborators and sponsors.
• Hold an active Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date. 

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Experience working with data from space-based assets to perform analysis.
• Have been in a formal technical leadership role leading a technical team building modeling and simulation systems and models to assess space based systems and space communication systems.
• Experience conducting modeling and simulation activities with the Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Joint Staff (JS), other Combatant Commands (CCMDs), USSF agencies, and other Government Agencies.
• Specific domain knowledge of Department of Defense, Air Force, SDA, MDA, or Space Force systems and architectures. 

Base pay will take into account the selected candidate’s knowledge, experience, skill and/or abilities with consideration for internal parity. 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 a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, part-time study and training and development. Base pay range for this role: Technical Senior Professional Staff I: $95K - $170K; Technical Senior Professional Staff II: $100K - $225K

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 http://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.

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