Defense Systems Engineer & Analyst — Naval C4I & AI

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Systems Engineer in Maryland to drive integration across sensors, networks, and command-and-control software for naval defense platforms.

You will analyze test data, develop system concepts, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver capabilities for anti-air, surface warfare, and precision strike missions. This role requires strong programming, analytical mindset, and eligibility for security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree inEngineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C++, Java, Python, MATLAB or similar languages.
• Ability to work independently and in teams; strong communication skills.
• Eligibility for security clearance (Interim Secret) and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Understand and improve interactions between sensors, networks, software, and weapon systems.
• Solve complex integration challenges for Navy surface systems and unmanned platforms.
• Develop concepts for anti-air and surface warfare and for precision strike.
• Analyze data from tests to inform engineering decisions.
• Develop expertise on command-and-control systems (e.g., Aegis, SSDS, Zumwalt).
• Create system engineering artifacts: performance specs, requirements, trade studies, concepts of operation, test plans.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and engage with sailors and warfighters.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

MATLAB

Git

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Git

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Systems Engineer in Maryland to drive integration across sensors, networks, and command-and-control software for naval defense platforms.

You will analyze test data, develop system concepts, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver capabilities for anti-air, surface warfare, and precision strike missions. This role requires strong programming, analytical mindset, and eligibility for security clearance.