Trajectory Optimization Engineer

Johns Hopkins APL · Laurel, MD · Mathematics

mid Software Engineer ic 2+ yrs Master's · Posted Mar 11, 2026

About this role

Johns Hopkins APL is hiring a mid-level Software Engineer based in Laurel, MD. The posting calls out experience with Data Structures and roughly 2+ years of relevant work. Listed education preference: a master's degree or equivalent.

Role
Software Engineer
Function
software engineering
Level
mid
Track
Individual contributor
Location
Laurel, MD
Experience
2+ years
Education
Master's degree
Visa
Not sponsored
Department
Mathematics
Posted
Mar 11, 2026
AI Summary
Develop trajectory optimization models, numerical algorithms, and mission planning software for hypersonic missile systems. Apply advanced optimization methods, model vehicle dynamics, and design evaluation methodologies. Requires M.S. in engineering or related field, proficiency in MATLAB/Python, and background in nonlinear programming or optimal control theory.
Upgrade to Pro for AI summaries, resume match scores & career intelligence →

More roles at Johns Hopkins APL

2026 PhD Graduate - Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Laurel, MD · junior
TensorFlow PyTorch LLMs
Security Operations Center Dispatcher
Laurel, MD · mid
Security Observability
On-Site Rad-Hard Electrical Engineer (Hill AFB, Utah)
Laurel, MD · mid
On-Site Flight Systems Test Engineer (Hill AFB, Utah)
Hill AFB, UT · mid
Testing
2026 Graduate - Spacecraft Mission Design, Navigation, Guidance and Control
Laurel, MD · mid
Flutter Data Structures Data Analytics All Johns Hopkins APL jobs →

Job description

from Johns Hopkins APL careers
Description

Are you interested in developing models, methodologies, and algorithms for translating design characteristics of missile systems into concept evaluation and mission planning software?

 

Would you enjoy working with a team that takes innovative ideas from proof of concept to flight-ready final products?

 

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

 

We are seeking a trajectory optimization engineer to develop models, numerical algorithms, and novel approaches for mission planning and evaluation of missile systems.

 

As a trajectory optimization engineer you will…

  • Apply advanced numerical optimization methods and computational approaches to hypersonic vehicles
  • Model the dynamics of hypersonic vehicles in varying environments
  • Develop software for mission planning and flight system evaluation using advanced numerical optimization methods
  • Design methods for evaluating and testing developed software
  • Document and present work to sponsors and third-party collaborators
  • Interact with sponsors and external representatives to formulate concepts of operation for these novel and advanced technologies

Qualifications

You meet the minimum qualifications for the job if you…

  • Hold an M.S. in an engineering discipline, computational science, applied mathematics, or a related technical field
  • Are proficient with a high-level programming language, such as MATLAB or Python
  • Have a background in nonlinear programming and/or optimal control theory
    • This is an excerpt. Read the full job description on Johns Hopkins APL careers →
All software engineering jobs software engineering in Laurel, MD Jobs in Laurel, MD software engineering salaries software engineering career path
All Johns Hopkins APL Jobs Browse software engineering roles mid positions