Lead, Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead to apply systems engineering across laboratory infrastructure and facility initiatives. You will translate research and operational needs into actionable infrastructure requirements and guide the integration and readiness of complex facilities supporting cutting‑edge science.

You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and project managers, developing CONOPS,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years applying systems engineering to complex technical systems, specialized laboratories, or multidisciplinary initiatives.
• Experience in requirements development, interface management, engineering tradeoffs, and integration of multidisciplinary technical systems.
• Experience translating research objectives into technical requirements, facility capabilities, or operational acceptance criteria.
• Experience supporting infrastructure initiatives through requirements development, design, integration, commissioning, or operational transition.
• Strong technical communication and collaboration skills, including presenting to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Eligible to obtain Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering across REDD infrastructure initiatives translating scientific needs into facility requirements and operational acceptance criteria.
• Lead infrastructure requirements development and traceability with program managers and engineers to align facility designs with research system requirements.
• Evaluate how equipment, facilities, utilities, instrumentation, and workflows will work together, addressing integration challenges with multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop laboratory CONOPS, interface requirements, and operational readiness criteria for new capabilities across multiple facilities.
• Conduct technical assessments and trade studies of infrastructure alternatives considering feasibility, performance, risks, cost, and schedule.
• Review lab layouts, engineering designs, and construction docs for alignment with research requirements and gaps.
• Define verification, validation, commissioning, and acceptance criteria for readiness of integrated infrastructure.
• Represent REDD across planning, design, construction, installation, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout, coordinating with BCFD.
• Engage sponsors early in feasibility studies to assess infrastructure dependencies and requirements for new capabilities.
• Provide technical assessments and recommendations to REDD leadership and sponsors regarding risks and alternatives.
• Support long-range infrastructure planning including renovations and transitions to minimize research disruption.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements development

Technical communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Traceability

Integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering

Master's degree in systems engineering or related field

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead to apply systems engineering across laboratory infrastructure and facility initiatives. You will translate research and operational needs into actionable infrastructure requirements and guide the integration and readiness of complex facilities supporting cutting‑edge science.

You will collaborate with scientists, engineers, and project managers, developing CONOPS,