Senior Space Systems Engineer – NSS Mission Architect

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support NSS initiatives and lead space mission concepts from formulation to flight. You will work with NSS sponsors, define architectures, and oversee verification, validation, and testing of mission articles.

The role demands a 15+ year space engineering track record, strong leadership, and the ability to communicate progress through formal documents and presentations.

Qualifications

• A BS (or higher) in engineering, physics, or equivalent with a minimum of 15+ years of space engineering experience.
• At least 5 years of experience with national security space related projects
• Broad technical experience base and strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capability working with engineering teams and/or sponsors.
• Demonstrated communications skills delivering presentations and in written documentation.
• Hold an active TS/SCI 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams in the formulation, development, and execution of space mission concepts and system analysis in NSS. Projects range from formulation of system concepts to development of a flight mission or experiment, including hardware, software, integration and test, and operations.
• Provide technical interface to sponsor and project management.
• Perform systems level technical analysis, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives.
• Create formal communications through systems engineering documents, reports, proposals, and oral presentations.
• Lead and participate in engineering team meetings and overall technical development efforts.
• Develop and lead requirements, verification, and validation efforts.
• Define and manage system interfaces.
• Lead, coordinate, and present at technical design reviews.
• Work with project manager in defining and managing project risks.
• Lead and coordinate system level testing efforts.
• Be responsible for the technical aspects of delivering integrated missions, instrument payloads, spacecraft, or other mission articles.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communications

Systems engineering

Sponsor liaison

Education

BS in engineering or physics

MS in Systems Engineering

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Space Systems Engineer to support NSS initiatives and lead space mission concepts from formulation to flight. You will work with NSS sponsors, define architectures, and oversee verification, validation, and testing of mission articles.

The role demands a 15+ year space engineering track record, strong leadership, and the ability to communicate progress through formal documents and presentations.