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Threat Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, Maryland, Laurel
11100 Johns Hopkins Road (Show on map)
Jul 09, 2026
Description

Do you have experience with threat engineering, missile simulations, or the intelligence community?

Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges?

If so, we're looking for someone like you at APL!

The A4H Applied Technologies and Threat Engineering Group develops non-kinetic engagement strategies by combining a detailed understanding of threat systems (ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and similar systems) with advanced non-kinetic technologies. Our group is seeking an innovative technical leader to analyze, characterize, and model ballistic missile threats. In this position you will develop foreign missile system characterizations and will guide threat engineering efforts for the Department of War (DoW). Characterizations include system design, modeling flight capabilities, and scenario development of adversary capabilities.

As a Missile Threat Engineer, you will...

  • Create threat characterizations of advanced foreign systems. To accomplish this, you will use threat in-house and commercially developed tools with representations of kinematics, guidance systems, control systems, and sensors.
  • Explore advanced technology and its effect on US current and future Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems.
  • Lead teams to develop missile representations, trajectory data sets and scenarios with threat modeling tools and will improve trajectory tools as needed.
  • Provide threat characterizations and vulnerability assessments to weapons development programs. You will coordinate threat representations inside the laboratory and with external contractors and DoD sponsors.
  • Design, develop, execute data development plans to ensure that threat characterizations are consistent with the best understanding of adversary capabilities.
  • Interface with the intelligence community to ensure a strong working knowledge of available information on foreign system capabilities.
  • Develop presentations and brief results of efforts to team members, management, and DoW sponsors.
  • Participate in and contribute to a team environment that involves personnel with various academic backgrounds and experience levels.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the position if you have...

  • B.S. degree or higher in science or engineering or equivalent.
  • At least five years professional work experience.
  • Have experience working on missile defense programs, threat systems characterization, or knowledge of operational environments.
  • Have experience with any of the following program languages: MATLAB, Python, C, C++, C#, or Java.
  • Have good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Are willing to work a significant portion of the time in a closed area.
  • Hold at least an active interim Secret clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCIlevel 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 go above and beyond the minimum qualifications for the position if you have...

  • M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent.
  • At least ten years professional work experience.
  • At least three years of experience in modeling and simulation.
  • Have program proficiency with any of the following program languages: MATLAB, Python, C, C++, C#, or Java.
  • Experience with missile guidance and control systems, radars, seekers/sensors, flight mechanics, and/or propulsion systems.
  • An Active Top Secret with SCI Clearance.

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 athttps://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 contactAccessibility@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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually
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