Applied Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a collaborative professional to join multidisciplinary teams addressing national security challenges. You will translate stakeholder needs into practical concepts and support prototype development across software, models, and analyses.

Ideal candidates have a strong problem-solving mindset, excellent communication, and a willingness to travel up to 20% for workshops and engagements, with eligibility for Interim Secret clearance and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 3+ years professional experience solving complex stakeholder problems.
• Ability to translate complex information into actionable ideas with examples.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration and cross-disciplinary communication skills.
• Experience using software tools to develop and communicate ideas on Mac/Windows.
• Integrity and collaborative decision making.
• Willingness to travel 20% and engage in workshops and events.
• Eligibility for U.S. citizenship and Interim Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to understand needs and develop practical solutions.
• Collaborate with engineers, software developers, and subject matter experts to evaluate concepts.
• Develop and refine concepts, user interactions, and prototype capabilities.
• Use feedback and data to evaluate potential solutions and guide development.
• Contribute across development lifecycle from concept to evaluation.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to sponsors and teams.
• Manage multiple projects with quality within schedules and budgets, including in classified environments.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Software tools on Mac and Windows

Job description

Description

Are you looking to work with interdisciplinary teams to solve complex national security challenges through creative problem-solving and applied design?

Are you a lifelong learner who enjoys exploring complex problems, developing innovative ideas, and helping technical teams turn concepts into practical solutions?

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

We are a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, software developers, and technical specialists who advance electromagnetic and computer-system capabilities for critical national security missions, with a primary focus on maritime applications. Our work spans initial analysis and concept development through implementation, system integration, test, and transition. We combine technical expertise with applied design approaches to understand operational challenges and develop mission-focused solutions.

We value people who ask thoughtful questions, take initiative when the path forward is not obvious, test assumptions against evidence, seek out expertise when needed, and follow through to technically sound, useful results. The breadth of our work provides opportunities to build deep expertise, contribute across adjacent disciplines, and grow into technical, project, or product leadership.

As a member of our team, you will...

• Work with multidisciplinary teams and sponsor stakeholders to understand operational needs, identify challenges, and develop practical approaches to addressing them.
• Collaborate with engineers, software developers, and operational subject matter experts to develop and evaluate concepts that improve operator understanding, decision‑making, and system usability.
• Help develop and refine concepts, user interactions, and prototype capabilities for software, models, analysis tools, experiments, or technical systems appropriate to the problem.
• Use stakeholder feedback, simulated, laboratory, and real-world data to evaluate potential solutions and guide continued development.
• Contribute across multiple stages of the development lifecycle, from initial concept development through implementation, integration, test, and evaluation.
• Communicate complex ideas, technical findings, and recommendations to sponsors and project teams through appropriate methods and deliverables.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects while ensuring the quality and timely delivery of technical products within established schedules and budgets, including work in classified environments.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have…

• A bachelor's degree in: Human Factors Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of professional experience applying creative problem‑solving skills to develop concepts or solutions that address stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex information and stakeholder needs into actionable ideas and recommendations, supported by examples from previous work or projects which may include project descriptions or other relevant work samples.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and project requirements.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and interact with staff and stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience using software tools to develop and communicate ideas, with the ability to work on Mac and Windows platforms and learn new tools as needed.
• Unquestionable integrity and the ability to make sound decisions in a collaborative environment.
• A willingness and ability to travel 20% and when not traveling, work with "fly-away" teams on support needs during workshops and design events, sponsor engagements, and technical events.
• The ability 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 have..

• 5 or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience applying Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design, systems thinking, or related approaches to explore stakeholder needs, evaluate alternatives, and develop effective solutions.
• Familiarity with U.S. military programs, government sponsors, or complex technical and operational environments.
• Experience with data visualization, UI/UX, interactive prototyping, or conceptual development.
• An active Secret or higher level clearance.

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 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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually