Senior Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Training and development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Digital Systems Engineer to architect and deliver scalable, robust systems for defense applications. In this role, you'll lead mission-focused efforts, develop digital models, and ensure rigorous engineering practices.

Ideal candidates have at least a bachelor's degree, significant experience in systems engineering, and expertise in MBSE. Benefits include a robust education assistance program and generous retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant systems engineering lifecycle experience.
• 2+ years of practical MBSE experience in mission architectures.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts focusing on mission and systems architecture.
• Develop and promote digital models for complex systems.
• Document results and present to project leads and sponsors.

Skills

Mission engineering

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Systems thinking

Programming in Python

Programming in Java

Engineering leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or computer science

Tools

Cameo/MagicDraw

Rhapsody

Sparx EA

Jenkins

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Senior Digital Systems Engineer

Are you eager to architect and deliver robust, scalable, and secure systems that enable real operational decisions for warfighters?

Are you excited to directly impact the nation’s most challenging defense problems?

Are you passionate about large, mission‑critical systems, digital engineering, model‑based systems engineering (MBSE), and mission engineering?

About Us

The Mission Engineering Group of the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL develops enterprise‑grade, distributed software and decision‑support tools that enable warfighters to harness a wide‑ranging set of sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions critical to our nation’s defense. We emphasize engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the systems engineering lifecycle while promoting a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead mission‑focused systems and digital engineering efforts by applying systems thinking and mission engineering to translate warfighter needs into mission architectures and system requirements.
• Lead the development and promotion of digital models, including Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models (e.g., SysML/UAF), of mission and system architectures for the design and implementation of complex systems and systems‑of‑systems critical to the warfighter.
• Design and refine digital engineering workflows, integrations, and reusable model patterns for APL and its sponsors.
• Architect and guide implementation of mission‑critical systems with a focus on scalability, resilience, performance, and security.
• Ensure rigorous systems and mission engineering practices, including reviews, documentation, model governance, and risk management.
• Collaborate with APL teams, government sponsors, warfighters, and industry partners to deliver mission‑relevant solutions.
• Engage with senior government, industry, and national laboratory leadership on fast‑paced, high‑visibility defense programs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, helping shape engineering culture and best practices.
• Document and present results to project leads, sponsors, and technical workshops, conferences, and pivotal decision makers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Have at least seven years of relevant systems engineering lifecycle experience with complex systems or systems‑of‑systems.
• Have at least two years of practical MBSE experience developing mission architectures using UAF, with hands‑on UML/SysML/UAF modeling in tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, or Sparx EA, and the ability to link operational needs to system capabilities using the mission engineering process.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and can explain complex technical concepts to wide‑ranging audiences.
• Are willing and able to work a portion of the time in secure, closed areas and travel occasionally to government sites and contractor facilities (local and non‑local).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by the start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hold a master’s or doctorate degree in systems engineering, engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or another related technical field.
• Have at least ten years of experience performing systems engineering in the design, development, and/or evaluation of complex systems or systems‑of‑systems.
• Have deep digital engineering/MBSE expertise (e.g., broad tooling knowledge, Cameo/MagicDraw API, tool integration, digital ecosystem interoperability, Python/Java for MBSE).
• Have led large or multi‑team engineering efforts, providing architectural direction and driving adoption of digital engineering and MBSE across organizations.
• Have relevant Object Management Group (OMG) or other systems engineering certifications.
• Have experience with tool integration, digital connectors, or digital ecosystem interoperability (e.g., connecting MBSE tools with requirements, simulation, test, or configuration management tools).
• Have programming experience in Python and/or Java, particularly in support of MBSE, data processing, or tool integration.
• Are experienced with DevSecOps toolchains (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST tools) and can describe advanced digital engineering and development ecosystems.
• Bring prior experience in defense, intelligence, or related mission domains, including working with operational users and/or in classified environments.
• Have experience leading mission engineering efforts that span all disciplines described in the Mission Engineering Guide.
• Hold an active TS/SCI level security clearance.

Benefits and Compensation

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.

Benefits include: 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: $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].