(Human) Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a systems engineering professional to join the Human System Engineering team. You will help design and implement next-generation DoD systems, merging expertise from engineers, psychologists, and computer scientists to bridge human–machine warfighting gaps.

The role emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, guiding mission and systems engineering practices, and driving innovative research in areas like human–machine team behavior and

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• Demonstrate passion for building team culture, driving innovation, and executing strategic initiatives.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of current and future systems leveraging systems and mission engineering practices.
• Facilitate warfighter engagement in system design and development.
• Collaborate with engineers to generate concepts, derive requirements, and provide technical direction.
• Communicate designs via task flows, activity diagrams, and wireframes; review system designs for standards compliance.
• Lead fast-paced research projects in human–machine teams, unmanned systems, automation, and AI-enabled systems.
• Shape research vision and strategy and report progress to sponsors.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Communication

Security clearance eligible

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems/Civil/Industrial Eng

Master’s degree in Systems/Civil/Industrial Eng

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about systems engineering, and designing and implementing designs for complex military systems?

Are you a leader looking for truly impactful work?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our Human System Engineering team at APL. We are seeking teammates to help us develop and design systems of the future for the DoD. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of algorithm developers, computer scientists, psychologists, systems engineers, and others who spend their days designing the missile defense systems of tomorrow and working to improve current-day systems. With us, you will develop solutions to bridge the gaps in human-machine warfighting teams in information-dense, high stakes environments to revolutionize warfighter-augmenting capabilities.

In This Role You Will

• Support the design and development of current and future systems by ensuring they effectively leverage systems and mission engineering practices
• Facilitate warfighter engagement in system design and development
• Work with engineers to:
  • generate human-system designs and concepts
  • develop/derive human-system requirements
  • provide technical direction for military system development and review/provide feedback on system designs
  • communicate designs and concepts (e.g., via task flows, activity diagrams, wireframes)
  • review and provide feedback on system designs to ensure they adhere to human-system standards and best practices
• Develop and lead fast-paced research projects in critical areas such as human-machine team behavior and performance, unmanned vehicle command and control, level of automation determination, and AI-enabled systems
• Help shape research vision and strategy and inform group technical direction
• Report accomplishments and contributions to sponsors and stakeholders

Work across organizations to review results, refine concepts, propose solutions, and oversee projects

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent
• Have a passion for building team culture, driving innovation, and building/executing strategic initiatives
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Are able to obtain Secret level security 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...

• At least 2 years of experience and responsibilities related to systems engineering and the design/development of complex systems
• Have experience with task analyses and task flows
• Have experience with/have developed system requirements
• Have significant experience writing and submitting proposals
• Have the proven ability to work independently and with government, DoD Sponsors, and analysis teams
• Hold a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent, and at least 2 years of experience and responsibilities related to systems engineering and design of complex systems

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. 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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually