Hardware Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Hardware Systems Engineer to design, review, and evolve distributed DoD real-time systems. You will work on circuit card assemblies, computing architectures, and hardware/software integration in a development lab.

You will analyze requirements, perform architecture definitions, and support obsolescence planning, with travel up to 10% and eligibility for Interim Secret / Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3+ years engineering experience (hardware, systems, embedded).
• Skills in one or more: digital hardware or circuit card design, embedded/real‑time systems, or complex systems engineering.
• Willing to travel up to 10% as needed.
• Eligible for Interim Secret or Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Review and contribute to design and integration of digital hardware and embedded systems, focusing on circuit card assemblies and system performance.
• Review schematics, drawings, and test procedures to improve design quality and test coverage.
• Support obsolescence analysis and future equipment architecture planning (computing hardware, OS, cybersecurity).
• Participate in systems engineering activities: requirements analysis, architecture definition, verification planning.
• Contribute to hardware/software integration and testing in a lab and assist with troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis.

Skills

Digital hardware

Embedded/real‑time systems

Systems engineering

Security clearance eligibility

Willingness to travel

US citizenship

Education

B.S. degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about digital hardware, embedded systems, and complex tactical systems?

Do you enjoy digging into circuit card designs, system architectures, and lab integration work?

As a Hardware Systems Engineer in the Distributed C2 Real-time Engineering

We are seeking an experienced Hardware Systems Engineer to help us design, review, and evolve mission‑critical distributed C2 systems for DoD applications. You'll be joining a hardworking team of engineers who tackle challenging real‑time problems in support of the warfighter. We strive to foster an environment of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. As a member of our team, you will contribute to the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced tactical systems.

• Your primary responsibility will be to review and contribute to the design and integration of complex digital hardware and embedded systems, with a strong focus on circuit card assemblies, computing architectures, and system‑level performance.
• You will review circuit card schematics, drawings, and test procedures, providing thoughtful and technically sound feedback to improve design quality and test coverage.
• You will support ongoing equipment obsolescence analysis and future equipment architecture planning, particularly around computing hardware, operating systems, and cybersecurity.
• You will participate in systems engineering activities for a complex DoD tactical system, including requirements analysis, architecture definition, and verification planning.
• You will contribute to hardware/software integration and testing in a development laboratory, assisting with troubleshooting and root cause analysis across hardware and software boundaries.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a B.S. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Have 3+ years of experience working in an engineering role (hardware, systems, embedded, or closely related).
• Are skilled in one or more of the following:

  - Digital hardware or circuit card assembly design, review, or test.

  - Embedded/real‑time systems or computer architectures.

  - Systems engineering for complex systems.

• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% as needed.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• Have 5 or more years of experience working with:

  - Complex circuit card assembly design taken from concept through manufacturing and production of multiple units.

  - Printed circuit board design, manufacturing, and test processes.

  - Embedded real‑time or near real‑time systems and real‑time operating systems (e.g., VxWorks, RT Linux, Integrity).

  - Computer architectures, including VPX-based or SOSA‑aligned systems.

• Have familiarity or experience with:

  - Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard.

  - VITA 46, VITA 65 (VPX) standards.

  - Cybersecurity fundamentals and practice for embedded/tactical systems.

  - Anti‑tamper systems engineering and technologies.

  - Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools.

  - Navy and/or other DoD tactical systems .

  - Software engineering, scripting, or code design (e.g., C/C++, Python, shell scripting) to support integration, test automation, or tooling.

• Hold an active Top Secret or higher security clearance, or are able to qualify for one

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 athttps://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 [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