2027 Graduate - Systems Engineer - Mission Engineering

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Systems Engineer to architect and implement mission-centered, model-based capabilities advancing augmented human decision making. You will develop enterprise-grade software and decision-support tools enabling warfighters to harness diverse sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions.

We value engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the lifecycle, with opportunities to work with government sponsors,

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor's or Master's in Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, CS, AE, EE, ME or related fields.
• Interest or experience in systems engineering, software engineering, decision science, cybersecurity or AI/ML.
• Strong problem-solving ability in technical areas.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Completed internship/co-op or relevant work experience.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Eligibility for Interim Secret clearance and eventual Top Secret/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Translate warfighter needs into mission architectures and system requirements.
• Design, architect, and build MBSE models (SysML/UAF) for mission architectures and complex systems.
• Work in an advanced R&D environment, pursuing paths in areas of uncertainty.
• Collaborate with APL teams, sponsors, warfighters, and industry partners to deliver mission-relevant solutions.
• Explore ideas and provide software support to maximize mission effectiveness.
• Join multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex system-of-systems problems.

Education

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Master's degree (related field)

Job description

Description

Are you eager to architect and deliver robust, scalable, and secure systems that enable real operational decisions for warfighters?

Are you excited to directly impact the nation's most challenging defense problems?

Are you passionate about large, mission‑critical systems, digital engineering, model‑based systems engineering (MBSE), and mission engineering?

Are you driven to turn innovative ideas into making real-world capabilities a reality?

The Mission Engineering Group of the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL is seeking a Systems Engineer to work the architecture and implementation of mission‑centered, model‑based capabilities that advance augmented human decision making. We develop enterprise‑grade, distributed software and decision‑support tools that enable warfighters to harness a varied set of sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions critical to our nation’s defense.

The Mission Engineering Group emphasizes engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the systems engineering lifecycle and foster an inclusive environment that values creativity and technical excellence.

As a Systems Engineer, you will…

• Apply systems thinking and mission engineering to translate warfighter needs into mission architectures and system requirements.
• Design, architect, and build digital models, including Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models (e.g., SysML/UAF), of mission and system architectures for the design and implementation of complex systems and systems‑of‑systems critical to the warfighter.
• Work in a cutting‑edge research and development environment, using your initiative to forge paths in areas of uncertainty.
• Collaborate with APL teams, government sponsors, warfighters, and industry partners to deliver mission‑relevant solutions.
• Explore ideas and provide software support that maximizes mission effectiveness.
• Work on multi‑disciplinary teams that solve complex system of system problems that require the unique insights and initiative of each team member.

Qualifications

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree majoring in Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other related engineering fields.
• Have coursework and/or experience or interest in any of the sought specialty areas of systems engineeering, software engineering, decision science, cybersecurity or artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).
• Can demonstrate successful problem solving in a technical area.
• Can work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Completed previous internship/co‑op or have other relevant work experience.
• Can demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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.

About Us

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.

Why Work at APL?

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas.

• robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• 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 [e-mail].

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually