On-Site Flight Systems Test Engineer
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory· Defense & Aerospace R&D· May 15, 2026 · 6mo agoPosted 165 days ago
Hill AFB, Utah
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$195K est.
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since May 15, 2026 — 165 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Description
Do you want an exciting opportunity to represent APL on-site at Hill Air Force Base (AFB) in Utah on a significant program of national importance while working directly with Sponsors, industry peers and other APL team members?
Do you have a passion for working in a fast-paced, high impact environment with a focus on testing in-development flight systems?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a systems test engineer to help evaluate the various flight systems of the Sentinel strategic missile system. This will be an on-site position, working at Hill AFB alongside other on-site APL personnel, our government sponsor, other government mission partners, and the Sentinel prime contractor.
As an on-site Flight Systems Test Engineer...
• Your primary responsibility is to serve as part of APL’s HAFB-based team supporting the Sentinel program, enhancing APL’s ability as an organization to support our government sponsor. In doing so, you will maintain regular communications with APL’s program and project managers, line-side leaders and organizations in Laurel, and fellow members of the APL on-site technical team to increase awareness of Sentinel activities, developments, decisions, areas of concern, and opportunities where APL can help the Sentinel program.
• You will interface directly with the sponsor to understand their needs, and work with APL’s Sentinel key leaders and fellow members of APL’s on-site technical team to recommend, support, and execute work in support of the Sentinel Program Office’s desire to “own the technical baseline.”
• You will work on problems across the systems engineering V that span the full program lifecycle, from sponsor requirements through system integration, flight test execution and data validation and be able to translate sponsor needs into verifiable system and sub system requirements.
• You will support system ‑ level trade studies including aerodynamics, propulsion, GNC, and structures with a focus on missile flight test operational envelopes, release parameters, safe ‑ separation criteria, and trajectory constraints, and ensuring compliance with safety and performance limits.
• You will support live flight test activities including knowledge of test hardware, instrumentation, data acquisition, and range safety requirements.
• You will participate in milestone reviews, test readiness reviews, mission briefings, and sponsor Technical Interface Meetings (TIMs) to keep all stakeholders aligned on objectives and risks.
• You will synthesize complex engineering data into concise briefings and generate recommendations that enable sponsor decision ‑ making and highlight opportunities for further APL support.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
• Have a B.S. in Engineering, Mathematics or Physics (or closely related technical field), with 2+ of relevant technical professional experience.
• Have experience in test engineering, flight test analysis, or the development of flight system.
• Have a strong sense of curiosity to understand how and why a system works and the ambition to follow up on that curiosity.
• Are a thought leader with a keen ability to influence others.
• Are able to effectively shape the day-to-day tasking to meet sponsor needs, multi-task, and adapt to changing demands with minimal guidance.
• Have exceptionally strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, and ability to interface with senior military and civil service personnel.
• Are willing to relocate to Utah in the vicinity of Hill AFB, with periodic travel to APL, contractor sites, and to other locations.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (potentially 5-6 trips per year of duration one week or less, including travel back to the APL Laurel campus).
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a Top Secret/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security 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. (or above) in Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics (or closely related technical field) and/or 5+ years of experience in the testing or development of flight systems.
• Have experience specifically with, and an understanding of, Navy and/or Air Force strategic weapons systems.
• Are a proven thought leader with sponsor engagement experience.
• Currently hold an active Top Secret clearance (or above).
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 at jhuapl.edu .
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.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually
Application prep
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
Paid Time Off