Target Ground Test Engineer

Do you thrive in a dynamic environment of collaboration with engaging teams composed of unique backgrounds?

Are you an impact-focused engineer with a positive outlook and a real passion for leading others?

Do you desire exciting challenges in multidisciplinary test venues?

If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our team!

We are in search of a motivated and experienced test lead to plan and perform ground testing in support of flight test programs for air and missile defense systems. This role is focused on the development, planning, and technical execution of several missile development efforts for use as target vehicles within the Missile Defense Agency, US Navy, and other government flight test programs. This candidate will support the existing APL Project Managers to maintain focus on vehicle integration, testing, planning, and execution. You'll be part of a multi-disciplinary team supporting sophisticated ground and flight test planning and execution that addresses evolving challenges in air and missile defense.

As a Target Missile Ground Test Engineer you will:

• Work to develop ground test requirements, objectives, plans, and schedules in support of target missile development activities
• Lead target missile hardware developmental testing through the lifecycle of hardware design, ensuring that testing is adequate to support sponsor and mission execution needs
• Serve as integration and test expert and lead for APL-developed target missile hardware, leading technical meetings within APL and external participants to coordinate multiple disciplines into an integrated product, and coordinating necessary documentation with the test range, launch vehicle provider, and other hardware providers
• Lead environmental qualification testing of APL-developed target missile hardware.  Develop plans for testing and test levels for components, coordinate facility resources, lead test readiness reviews, and oversee execution of environmental testing for missile hardware.
• Coordinate test resource usage both within APL and externally, working with all stakeholders to ensure that facilities, personnel, and technical requirements are met
• Serve as a point of contact for ground testing within APL and communicate with government program sponsors, US Flight Test Ranges, and various Contractor Organizations
• Lead the daily coordination, integration, and synchronization of various types of ground and flight test activities including functional testing, environmental testing, and wind tunnel testing.
• Coordinate Test Team working group meetings, and manage Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs). Support major milestone meetings.
• Support hardware Integration & Test activities onsite at CONUS and OCONUS flight test ranges.

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

• Have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Have 3+ years of relevant professional experience in Test and Evaluation activities such as: wind tunnel testing, electro-optical testing, environmental testing, or flight testing for missile development programs or similar kinetic weapons.
• Have shown a demonstrated ability to work on multiple complex program tasks independently with little supervision.
• Have knowledge and experience with the systems engineering process
• Have a willingness to take on additional work and challenges and to develop new skills.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Can support periodic travel to sponsor, contractor, and test sites (up to 20-25% time).
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top 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...

• Have an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related fields.
• Have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Have experience with missile test ranges, missile or weapon development programs, and test range instrumentation.
• Have formal Systems Engineering process experience.
• Have knowledge of APLs quality management processes and procedures
• Possess a Top Secret clearance.

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.