Mechanical-Systems Engineer, Shipboard Systems Group

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Mechanical-Systems Engineer to join the Launcher Systems Engineering section. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop analysis methods for deployed systems, modernize Navy hardware, and integrate new weapon systems onto Navy platforms.

You will lead creation of next‑generation systems and drive the transition from traditional Systems Engineering to Digital Engineering, with travel up to 10% to sponsor sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience with Navy systems (product lifecycle management, hardware production, or Systems Engineering).
• Willing and able to travel approximately 10% to US Navy facilities, bases and contractor sites.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance and ultimately Top Secret clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Gain a deep technical understanding of submarine launcher systems and other shipboard systems.
• Support system concept development, including Requirements, Functional, and Physical Architecture development for complex systems.
• Engage with Navy sponsor and prime/subcontractors to oversee hardware design and production for future weapon systems.
• Participate in test and evaluation efforts, including full-scale tests at government facilities or Navy platforms.
• Engage with multiple working groups across government and industry.

Skills

Navy systems experience

Security clearance eligibility

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about developing, integrating, and testing large and complex weapon systems?

Are you skilled at working with large, dynamic teams, problem solving, and focusing on technical detail?

Are you eager to make critical contributions to a secure, sea‑based capability that guarantees our nation’s safety and security now and into the future?

If so, then we want you on our team!

We are seeking a Mechanical‑Systems Engineer to join the Launcher Systems Engineering section. You will work with a multidisciplinary team that supports our sponsors in developing advanced analysis methods for deployed systems, modernizing existing Navy hardware, and integrating new weapon systems onto Navy platforms. In addition, you will lead the creation of next‑generation systems and drive the transition from traditional Systems Engineering to Digital Engineering.

As a Mechanical-Systems Engineer, you will:

• Gain a deep technical understanding of submarine launcher systems and other shipboard systems.
• Support system concept development, including traditional Systems Engineering tasks such as Requirements, Functional, and Physical Architecture development for complex systems.
• Engage directly with our Navy sponsor and associated prime and subcontractors to provide oversight of hardware design and production efforts for future weapon systems and Navy platforms.
• Participate in a wide variety of test and evaluation efforts, including full scale system tests conducted at government owned test facilities or onboard Navy platforms.
• Engage with multiple working groups across both government and industry.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Have 3+ years of relevant experience with Navy systems, particularly focused on product lifecycle management, hardware production, or Systems Engineering.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (10%) to US Navy facilities, bases and contractor sites.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top 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 degree in Systems Engineering or a closely related field.
• Have worked directly with OHIO-class, COLUMBIA-class, or VIRGINIA-class hardware or software systems.
• Have experience developing TEMPALT packages for deployment on submarines.
• Have worked directly with the Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) or the Strategic Weapon System (SWS) as either a contractor or government employee.

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 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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually