Senior Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to deliver systems engineering leadership for strategic defense programs. You will guide requirements analysis, concept development, risk assessments, and test & evaluation across multiple domains, coordinating with sponsors, contractors, and government partners.

You will also develop technical positions, produce formal artifacts, and participate in reviews to ensure mission success while supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in systems engineering for complex systems.
• Strong skills in concept development, requirements analysis, design, test/evaluation, and risk assessment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to interact with sponsors and government teams and lead cross‑functional work.
• Proficiency with SysML/UML and model-based systems engineering tools.
• Willingness to travel and obtain/maintain security clearances (US citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering thought leadership and integrate with cross‑functional teams.
• Lead or coordinate integration activities across technical domains and program phases.
• Evaluate system fulfillment against stakeholder needs and government requirements.
• Contribute to weapon system requirements, design reviews, and technical reports.

Skills

Systems engineering

Requirements analysis

Verbal & written communication

Leadership

Collaboration with sponsors

Travel readiness

Security clearance

SysML

UML

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/math/physics

Tools

Cameo Enterprise Architecture

IBM Rational Rhapsody

IBM Rational DOORS

AFSIM

Job description

Description

Are you a "systems thinker" with advanced systems engineering experience that wants to have impact on nationally important defense programs?

Description

Are you a "systems thinker" with advanced systems engineering experience that wants to have impact on nationally important defense programs?

Do you love working with a group of dedicated technical specialists in a dynamic environment?

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

We are seeking a senior systems engineer to join the System Definition and Validation Group within the Force Projection Sector. Our team applies a combined depth of system technical, operational, and systems engineering expertise through mission engineering to ensure the warfighter has ready, lethal, and effective weapon systems. We serve as trusted technical partners to sponsors, industry, and stakeholders. Our team works directly with the government sponsors, the prime contractors, and a national team of university-affiliated research centers (UARCs), federally-funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and industry partners, providing independent technical inputs and recommendations to help ensure the nation and warfighter receive the required capabilities for the mission. Your contributions will be key to advancing nationally important defense programs and providing critical contributions to strategic weapon systems.

As a Senior Systems Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be to provide systems engineering thought leadership and expertise, in combination with system technical design knowledge and operational context, to cross functional teams, focusing on requirements analysis, concept/technology development, risk assessments and test & evaluation for strategic deterrent systems.
• You will help define, coordinate, and, when required, lead integration activities across multiple technical and programmatic domains, ensuring coherence across system elements, organizations, and program phases. This includes participation in, and, as required, presentations at program technical reviews and acquisition milestone events.
• You will use tools, processes, methodologies, and prime contractor-generated design artifacts, test data and analysis results to evaluate system fulfillment of stakeholder needs and government requirements, and develop future weapon system requirements. As required, participate in weapon system requirement and design reviews.
• You will work with weapon system prime contractors and other industry partners to advise, review, recommend and contribute to assessments systems engineering execution.
• You will support and influence program-level decision making by developing and communicating technical positions, risk assessments, and trade-offs to senior government and program leadership.
• You will deliver formal engineering artifacts to sponsors and supporting contractors, and effectively communicate proposed concepts/solutions and analysis results. You will produce reports that bring together concept definitions, requirements, analysis results, and technical recommendations.
  
  

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related technical field.
• Have 5+ years of relevant experience performing systems engineering in the design, development or evaluation of complex systems.
• Are highly skilled in early concept development, requirements analysis, design, test and evaluation, and risk assessment.
• Have especially strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills.
• Have shown the ability to interact effectively with and lead teams, including industry and government sponsors.
• Are literate in descriptive modeling languages, such as Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and Unified Modeling Language (UML).
• Are willing and able to travel periodically, including short duration visits to sponsor offices and supporting contractor sites.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get a Top Secret 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 an advanced degree in systems engineering.
• Are highly skilled in systems engineering for missile systems.
• Have demonstrated mission engineering expertise.
• Have experience guiding the execution of Department of War (DoW) acquisition processes, Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), and/or Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programs.
• Have experience employing systems engineering software, especially model based systems engineering tools like Cameo Enterprise Architecture and IBM Rational Rhapsody, and IBM Rational DOORS, to design complex systems.
• Have experience using Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) and related physics-based modeling tools.
• Have experience with new DoW program development to include concept development and Pre-Milestone A activities.
• Have knowledge of the design or operational employment of the Navy Trident II Strategic Weapon System, Air Force ICBM Systems, Conventional Prompt Strike Systems, Navy Cruise Missiles, or Reentry Systems.
• Hold an active Top Secrety security clearance.
  
  

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