Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer (Systems Design Analysis)

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer (Systems Design Analysis focus) to ensure the physical realization, durability, and technical credibility of strategic weapon systems. Based within the System Realization and Resilience Group, you will join engineers and scientists addressing complex defense challenges.

Responsibilities include first-principles calculations across subsystems, trade studies, vulnerability identification, and tying results

Qualifications

• BS in an engineering discipline (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical or closely related)
• 2+ years hands-on engineering design analysis, numerical modeling, or multi-physics calculations
• Ability to analyze system engineering trade space, tolerances, and survivability parameters
• Working knowledge of MBSE methods and Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw
• Willingness to travel periodically (5–10%), including sponsor sites and test ranges
• U.S. citizenship with eligibility for security clearance (Secret required at start)

Responsibilities

• Perform first-principles engineering calculations and design analyses across mechanical, electrical, thermal, nuclear, or fluid subsystems
• Execute quantitative trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and margin evaluations
• Identify design vulnerabilities and cross-discipline conflicts, recommending data-driven solutions
• Link analysis results to the digital engineering baseline using MBSE tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw

Skills

MBSE

First-principles analysis

Trade studies

Travel readiness

Security clearance (Secret)

Education

BS in Engineering (Aerospace/Electrical/Mechanical/Nuclear/Chemical)

Tools

Cameo Enterprise Architect

MagicDraw

Job description

Description

Do you love diving deep into multi-physics calculations, exploring design limits, and technical trade space to verify whether an integrated system will perform in a complex operational environment?

Do you love diving deep into multi-physics calculations, exploring design limits, and technical trade space to verify whether an integrated system will perform in a complex operational environment?

Are you searching for technically challenging work that directly bolsters the credibility of our nation's strategic deterrent? Are you passionate about first-principles engineering analysis over routine process management?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer (Systems Design Analysis focus) to help us ensure the physical realization, operational durability, and technical credibility of strategic weapon systems. Based within the System Realization and Resilience Group in the Force Projection Sector's Strategic Deterrence Mission Area, you will be joining a dedicated team of engineers and scientists addressing complex, multidisciplinary defense challenges. Our team is committed to delivering objective technical insights that influence the physical design and specialty engineering integration of strategic platforms. We value intellectual candor, technical depth, and collaborative teamwork focused on solving critical engineering problems.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility will be to perform first-principles engineering calculations and detailed physical design analyses across integrated mechanical, electrical, thermal, nuclear, or fluid subsystems.


• You will execute quantitative trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and margin evaluations to assess physical system behavior under harsh operational and threat environments.


• You will identify systemic design vulnerabilities and cross-discipline interface conflicts, providing data-driven recommendations to guide system design and hardware realization.


• You will link physical analysis results and design constraints back into the digital engineering baseline, collaborating with systems engineers utilizing Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw.

Qualifications

• Possess a BS in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related physical engineering discipline.


• Have 2+ years of professional experience performing hands-on engineering design analysis, numerical modeling, or multi-physics calculations on complex physical systems.


• Are skilled in analyzing system engineering technical trade space, interface tolerances, and environmental survivability parameters.


• Have a working knowledge of Systems Engineering methods and practical familiarity with MBSE principles and Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw.


• Are willing and able to travel periodically (approximately 5-10%), including visits to sponsor sites, test ranges, and contractor facilities.


• Hold an active Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI 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 5+ years of professional experience performing hands-on engineering design analysis, numerical modeling, or multi-physics calculations on complex physical systems.


• Have an MS in a physical engineering discipline, maintaining an active, hands-on modeling and design analysis focus.


• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or TS/SCI.


• Have experience with reliability engineering, nuclear surety, or specialty engineering disciplines applied to strategic missiles, reentry systems, or launch platforms.


• Have experience supporting Navy Strategic Systems Programs (such as Trident II D5) or Air Force strategic deterrent programs.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually