Senior Systems Engineer – Advanced Reentry

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to design and prototype next generation hypersonic and reentry systems. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and at least 10 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include providing engineering expertise, leading multi-disciplinary teams, and engaging with government and industry leaders. The position offers competitive compensation between $100,000 and $245,000 annually along with generous benefits and a supportive work/life balance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with complex hardware/software prototype development.
• Initiative and drive to make meaningful contributions.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering expertise for next generation reentry systems.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project engineering teams.
• Prepare for and participate in major design and requirements reviews.
• Engage with senior government and industry leadership on defense programs.

Skills

Systems engineering expertise

Leadership

Collaboration

Technical communication

Cross-functional team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Description

Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping?

Do you want to make contributions that accelerate the readiness of our Nation’s defenses to support next generation hypersonic and reentry systems?

We are seeking a highly technical senior systems engineer to help assess, design, and prototype next generation hypersonic, reentry systems and enabling technologies. As a member of our team, you’ll be making critical contributions to develop these next generation systems, ensuring the enduring effectiveness of our Nation’s strategic deterrent.

You will be joining a complementary team of engineers who work together to provide impactful solutions to system level objectives and challenges. We are passionate about innovation and our team is committed to providing engaging challenging work and supporting continued learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering expertise and leadership to assess weapon system capabilities and support/lead the development of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic systems, and enabling technologies.
• Collaborate and engage with multi-disciplinary project engineering teams within APL, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions.
• Prepare for and participate in major design and requirements reviews.
• Participate in government working groups and/or integrated product teams to evaluate industry concepts, designs, and proposals to provide technical recommendations to government sponsors.
• Engage with senior government, industry, and national laboratory leadership on fast-paced, high-visibility defense programs.
• Produce reports and presentations to communicate analysis results, concepts, proposals and recommendations to leadership, external organization partners, and government sponsors.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Have minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Have experience with complex hardware / software prototype development.
• Have experience leading highly technical cross‑functional teams of engineers.
• Have experience in early concept development efforts to include gap assessments, design trade studies, requirements analysis, and risk assessment.
• Have demonstrated ability to interact effectively with and lead multidisciplinary teams, including industry and government sponsors.
• Have initiative and drive to make meaningful contributions to an important mission.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Desired Qualifications

• Have a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Have experience in the design or development of reentry, hypersonic, or space systems and relevant technologies.
• Have experience engaging with high‑level government and/or defense industry leadership on highly technical topics.
• Have experience preparing for and participating in major design reviews such as System Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, and Test Readiness Review.
• Have knowledge of the Navy Trident II Strategic Weapon System and/or Air Force ICBM System.
• Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

Benefits

Employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Employment Notice

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].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually