Senior Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to support nationally important defense programs through systems engineering. The ideal candidate will lead integration activities and provide expert analysis, risk assessments, and technical recommendations.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, at least 5 years of systems engineering experience, and proficiency in SysML and UML. The position offers a competitive salary range of $105,000 to $290,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of systems engineering experience in design, development, or evaluation of complex systems.
• Active Secret security clearance and eligibility for Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering thought leadership and expertise.
• Define and lead integration activities across multiple domains.
• Support program-level decision-making with technical positions.

Skills

Systems engineering experience

Requirements analysis

Risk assessment

Excellent communication skills

Critical thinking skills

Proficiency in SysML and UML

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Cameo Architecture

IBM Rational Rhapsody

IBM Rational DOORS

Job description

Senior Systems Engineer – Systems Definition and Validation Group

Join our team at JHU/APL to contribute to nationally important defense programs through systems engineering and mission engineering.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering thought leadership and expertise, focusing on requirements analysis, concept/technology development, risk assessments, and test & evaluation for strategic deterrent systems.
• Define, coordinate, and lead integration activities across multiple technical and programmatic domains, ensuring coherence across system elements, organizations, and program phases.
• Participate in program technical reviews and acquisition milestone events, presenting findings as required.
• Use tools, processes, and artifacts to evaluate system fulfillment of stakeholder needs and government requirements, develop future weapon system requirements, and participate in requirement and design reviews.
• Work with prime contractors and industry partners to advise, review, recommend, and contribute to systems engineering execution assessments.
• Support and influence program-level decision making by developing and communicating technical positions, risk assessments, and trade-offs to senior government and program leadership.
• Deliver formal engineering artifacts to sponsors and contractors, communicating concepts, analyses, and technical recommendations; produce reports that compile concept definitions, requirements, analysis results, and recommendations.

Qualifications – Minimum

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of systems engineering experience in design, development, or evaluation of complex systems.
• Strong skills in early concept development, requirements analysis, design, test & evaluation, and risk assessment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to collaborate with and lead teams, including industry and government sponsors.
• Proficiency in descriptive modeling languages such as SysML and UML.
• Willingness to travel periodically, including short visits to sponsor offices and contractor sites.
• Active Secret security clearance and eligibility for Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Qualifications – Desired

• Advanced degree in systems engineering.
• Experience in systems engineering for missile systems.
• Mission engineering expertise.
• Experience guiding DoW acquisition processes, Navy SSP, or Air Force ICBM programs.
• Proficiency with systems engineering software such as Cameo Architecture, IBM Rational Rhapsody, IBM Rational DOORS.
• Experience with AFSIM and related physics-based modeling tools.
• Experience with DoW program development, concept development, and Pre‑Milestone A activities.
• Knowledge of Navy Trident II, Air Force ICBM, Conventional Prompt Strike, Navy Cruise Missiles, or Reentry Systems design/employment.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

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.

Pay Range

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $290,000 Annually