Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead

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

Do you enjoy applying systems engineering principles to transform novel research concepts into world-class laboratory capabilities?

Are you passionate about collaborating with scientists, engineers, architects, and construction professionals to solve complex infrastructure and systems integration challenges?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where every project presents unique technical requirements and opportunities to make a lasting impact?

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

The Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD) is seeking a Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead to apply systems engineering expertise across complex laboratory infrastructure and facility initiatives. The position will work with research teams and program leadership to translate research and operational needs into actionable infrastructure requirements, evaluate technical interfaces and engineering alternatives, and guide the integration and operational readiness of specialized facilities that enable cutting‑edge research.

The position will work alongside Business, Construction, and Facilities Department (BCFD) project managers, REDD program leaders, and operations staff, serving as REDD's technical lead for research infrastructure throughout the project lifecycle. The role will help ensure infrastructure solutions meet program requirements across multiple facilities and sponsors, from initial planning through operational transition.

As a Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead, you will:

• Apply systems engineering principles across REDD laboratory and research infrastructure initiatives, working with research and program teams to translate scientific and operational needs into facility requirements, technical specifications, and operational acceptance criteria.


• Lead REDD's infrastructure requirements development and traceability, working with program managers, chief engineers, and technical leads to ensure facility designs and capabilities align with broader research system requirements.


• Evaluate how specialized research equipment, facility systems, utilities, instrumentation, and workflows will work together, identifying and resolving technical dependencies and integration challenges with multidisciplinary teams.


• Develop laboratory concepts of operations (CONOPS), infrastructure interface requirements, and operational readiness criteria for new and evolving research capabilities across multiple facilities.


• Conduct technical assessments and trade studies of proposed infrastructure alternatives, evaluating feasibility, performance, integration risks, operational constraints, cost, schedule, and adaptability.


• Review laboratory layouts, facility engineering designs, equipment installation plans, and construction documentation to assess consistency with research requirements and identify technical gaps for resolution with BCFD and program teams.


• Define and assess research-side verification, validation, commissioning, and acceptance criteria to determine whether integrated infrastructure is ready to support intended laboratory operations.


• Serve as REDD's technical and operational representative across planning, design, construction, equipment integration, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout, partnering with BCFD project managers responsible for facility delivery.


• Partner with BCFD project managers and program and operations teams to assess infrastructure scope, schedules, budgets, technical risks, and execution milestones, identifying and resolving issues that could affect research capabilities or operational readiness.


• Engage early in sponsor-funded program and proposal development to assess facility feasibility, infrastructure dependencies, technical risks, and requirements for new research capabilities.


• Provide technical assessments and recommendations to REDD leadership, research programs, and sponsors regarding infrastructure requirements, technical risks, engineering alternatives, and operational readiness.


• Support long-range infrastructure planning across program-driven, indirect, and capital initiatives, including laboratory renovations, equipment installations, operational transitions that minimize disruption to ongoing research and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Facilities Management, Project Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).


• Have a minimum of 6+ years of experience applying systems engineering or related engineering principles to complex technical systems, specialized laboratories, research infrastructure, or multidisciplinary engineering initiatives.


• Have demonstrated experience in requirements development, technical analysis, interface management, engineering tradeoffs, and integration of multidisciplinary technical systems.


• Have experience translating research or engineering objectives into technical requirements, facility capabilities, concepts of operations, or operational acceptance criteria.


• Have experience supporting complex technical or infrastructure initiatives through requirements development, design, integration, commissioning, or operational transition.


• Demonstrate strong technical communication and collaboration skills, including presenting engineering assessments to technical stakeholders and senior leadership.


• Are able to obtain a Top 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...

• Have experience supporting specialized research infrastructure within a government, defense, national laboratory, or national security environment.


• Have experience integrating research equipment, automation, instrumentation, manufacturing capabilities, or other technical systems with laboratory facilities.


• Have experience developing technical trade studies, interface control documentation, requirements traceability, or verification and validation approaches.


• Have experience evaluating technical cost, schedule, and performance tradeoffs for infrastructure investments.


• Have a master's degree in systems engineering or a related engineering discipline.

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually