2026 Graduate - Threat Modeling Engineer

Would you like to be part of a multidisciplinary team that combines a deep understanding of threats and advanced technologies to develop novel, tactically relevant defense solutions?

Do you want to become an expert in modeling, analyzing, and understanding adversary system capabilities and non-kinetic technologies for defense applications against those adversary weapons?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, or Computer Science and are interested in using those skills to develop novel defense capabilities, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking a highly motivated recent graduate to help us understand and develop models and simulations of adversary strike weapons (cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAVs)) and how US defensive systems can successfully defeat them. Our group works on some of the most difficult and influential problems in the defense industry - how to defend our military and homeland from advanced adversary weapons - using a deep knowledge of the foreign threats, as well as domain expertise and curiosity to figure out how to defeat them through novel, non-kinetic defeat mechanisms (High Power Microwave (HPM), High Energy Laser (HEL), Electronic Warfare (EW), and more). You will be joining a hardworking, cross-functional team of engineers and scientists who apply domain expertise and technical skills to develop, test, and analyze various advanced missile defense technologies. This team also provides insights to the Air and Missile Defense Sector and our sponsors about adversary weapon capabilities as we develop innovative defenses to defend the US homeland, our allies, and our troops overseas. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration and commitment to the mission of Revolutionizing the Art of Defense. Our team core values are Courageous Curiosity, Enthusiastic Empathy, and Inspired Improvement as we grow our capabilities and expertise based on a solid foundation of teamwork and cooperation.

Your primary responsibilities could include:

• Develop and use models and simulations of adversary systems, characterizing their performance
• Understand foreign missile systems to the level that you can:
• Clearly communicate the threat capabilities and limitations to programs and sponsors
• Provide insight on possible threat vulnerabilities that could be exploited for their defeat
• Design, develop, test, and evaluate defeat mechanisms for those threats
• Analyze system level performance against threat missile systems, including developing novel concepts for the employment of these capabilities.

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Experience and comfort with at least one programming language such as MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Java, Rust, or similar
• Are willing and able to occasionally travel within the US to support meetings or test events. Rare, but potential, extended work dates to support urgent, operational tasking
• Can clearly communicate (written and verbal) technical concepts to a wide range of technical and non-technical audiences
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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...

• Currently hold, or are able to obtain, a Top Secret or TS/SCI level security clearance
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of one or more of: flight mechanics, propulsion, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), or physics-based modeling
• Previous academic or professional experience modeling kinematic performance of missile systems

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 http://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 Accommodations@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.