Experienced Flight Test Range Engineer

Description

Do you have a passion for flight tests of rocket, missile, and hypersonic vehicle systems?

Are you searching for meaningful work supporting the defense of our Nation?

Then we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We provide end‑to‑end instrumentation support for the nation’s most demanding flight‑test programs. From shaping data‑collection strategy in the planning stage to deploying on‑site at the mission operations center, remote ranges, and aboard naval ships. We ensure high‑quality data for every rocket, missile, and hypersonic test by coordinating and leading the documentation, planning, and execution of key portions of flight test operations.

Our expertise guides both upgrades of legacy systems and the introduction of new sensor technologies, leveraging APL‑wide and industry collaborations to keep the government’s flight‑test missions on schedule and on target.

• Partner with mission planners early‑in test design to define what data must be captured, why it must be captured, and how objectives will be met
• Attend reviews and technical interchange meetings with or on behalf of Government Sponsors to provide SME input on data collection system design and utilization
• Deploy to Test Ranges in support of pre‑mission checkout and actual mission operations, in some instances serving in a test director role on‑console
• Deploy on sea‑based downrange assets and coordinate operations aboard in support of test data collection
• Conduct analysis on post‑test data to evaluate the performance of test instrumentation
• Collaborate with experts across the Laboratory and industry to identify innovative solutions for new and emerging test requirements
• Work is primarily conducted at our Laurel, MD campus
• Travel is required (local, domestic, and international) that will include day trips to local sponsor facilities, brief trips (~2-5 days) to contractor sites and sponsor venues, as well as longer deployments to the field to support test operations. This includes occasional extended deployments (1+ month) at sea.

You’ll meet our minimum qualifications with...

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience with flight test operations, telemetry, sensor integration, or high‑speed data acquisition.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting or analysis language—MATLAB and Python are especially useful.
• Strong communication skills—clear writing, confident speaking, and the ability to work through ideas with teammates.
• Basic Microsoft Office Skills.
• Ability to travel regularly, including to support occasional extended deployments (1+ month) at sea.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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...

• Hold a Master’s degree and have direct experience in test and evaluation, aerospace systems, or mission modeling.
• Have hands‑on experience with flight test instrumentation, telemetry, sensor integration, or high‑speed data acquisition.
• Have familiarity with Radar, acoustic data, optics, telemetry, time‑synchronization (e.g., IRIG‑B, GPS‑DO), or data‑format standards (CCSDS, STANAG).
• Have experience working in operations, testing, or rapid‑response environments—military, academic, or civilian.
• Have experience with Navy, Coast Guard, or Commercial Ships.

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…