Defense Systems Analyst — AI-Driven Mission Planning

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Systems Analyst with strong systems thinking and defense domain expertise. You will lead requirements analysis, develop capabilities for mission planning, and support decision-makers with data-driven recommendations.

You will work on integrating AI/ML approaches, contribute to system design reviews, and communicate complex analyses through concise presentations. Active Final Secret clearance required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or related field.
• 2+ years in systems engineering, data analysis, or requirements development/analysis.
• Experience in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Programming experience with MATLAB or Python.
• Experience in teams of 3+ people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Active Final Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct system engineering activities and analyses for military mission planning.
• Provide domain know-how for test events and operational scenarios to decision-makers.
• Participate in requirements and design reviews to ensure sponsor directions.
• Develop and deliver presentations communicating proposed solutions and analyses.
• Author reports combining system definitions, requirements, analysis, and recommendations.

Skills

Systems engineering

Data analysis

Requirements analysis

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or related field

Master's degree or PhD in systems engineering / related fields

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Systems Analyst with strong systems thinking and defense domain expertise. You will lead requirements analysis, develop capabilities for mission planning, and support decision-makers with data-driven recommendations.

You will work on integrating AI/ML approaches, contribute to system design reviews, and communicate complex analyses through concise presentations. Active Final Secret clearance required.