Maritime Surveillance LFA/CLFA System Design and Operations Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance program

Retirement contributions

Work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking a dynamic and analytical candidate for a position involving the development of U.S. Navy's Maritime Surveillance Systems. The ideal candidate will have a B.S. in a technical field, 8+ years of relevant experience with sonar systems, and strong analytical and interpersonal skills. A minimum salary of $100,000 and a maximum of $245,000 annually is offered alongside benefits including education assistance.

Qualifications

• Earned a U.S. Navy designator or hold a relevant B.S. degree.
• 8+ years of relevant experience with sonar system operations.
• Ability to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct lab-based and at-sea assessments of systems.
• Research next-generation technologies and applications.
• Coordinate with analysts for system evaluations.

Skills

Surveillance systems expertise

Sonar system operations

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Project management

Education

B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science

MS degree in Mathematics, Science, or Engineering

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and analytical candidate to help evaluate and influence the development of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Surveillance Systems (MSS) Low Frequency Active (LFA), Compact LFA (CLFA), and prototype Deployable Active Systems. Your contributions will help transform data into knowledge to support decision makers.

Responsibilities

• Work with system developers and analysis team members to conduct lab‑based and at‑sea assessment of functional and operational capabilities of CLFA, LFA, and prototype Deployable Active Systems.
• Ensure test scope, analysis methodology, and required data are comprehensive.
• Develop new system display concepts, capabilities, and functions to improve performance.
• Research, investigate, and experiment with next‑generation technologies and find creative applications.
• Apply systems engineering expertise to support future MSS LFA, CLFA, and prototype Deployable Active Systems development.
• Coordinate with analysts to evaluate fielded systems.
• Liaise between JHU/APL, acquisition sponsors, and fleet operational commands to inform development decisions and optimize operational utility.

Qualifications

• Earned a U.S. Navy designator, billet classification, or enlisted classification code related to surveillance systems and/or active sonar, or hold a B.S. in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience with sonar system operations, training, development, testing, or similar.
• Passionate about applying operational experience and analytical skills in an innovative environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships across teams; excellent oral and written communication.
• Proficient at multi‑tasking, prioritizing assignments, communicating progress, and meeting deadlines.
• Participated in system test, delivery, and integration tests at sponsor or operational Navy sites.
• Ability to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by start date and ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Mathematics, Science, or Engineering or equivalent surveillance qualifications.
• Experience with U.S. Navy developmental and operational test and evaluation.
• Strong background in acoustics analysis.
• Experience operating active sonar systems or supporting their development.
• 15+ years of operational experience in the Integrated Undersea Surveillance Systems.
• Experience conducting reconstruction and analysis of operational data.
• Led system design, integration, and/or test events at sponsor or operational Navy sites.
• Experience evaluating U.S. Navy surveillance systems performance.
• Active TS or higher level clearance.

Benefits

Education assistance program, retirement contributions, and work/life balance are among the benefits offered.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually.
Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually.

EEO Statement

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].