Senior Systems Engineer - Advanced Reentry

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is seeking a highly technical Senior Systems Engineer to assess, design, and prototype next-generation hypersonic and reentry systems, contributing to national defense capabilities.

You will lead cross-functional teams, coordinate with government sponsors and industry partners, participate in major design reviews, and communicate findings through reports and briefings to leadership and sponsors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with complex hardware/software prototype development.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience in design reviews and requirements analysis.
• Ability to interact with sponsors and government partners.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/hold security clearance (Secret/TS).
• Active security clearance or eligibility for Secret/Top Secret.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering leadership to assess capabilities and lead development of reentry/hypersonic systems.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, sponsors, military, and industry partners to develop solutions.
• Prepare for and participate in major design and requirements reviews.
• Participate in government working groups to evaluate concepts and proposals for sponsors.
• Engage with government and national leadership on defense programs.
• Produce reports and presentations communicating analysis results to leadership and sponsors.

Skills

Systems engineering

Leadership

Prototype development

Requirements analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Systems/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

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?

If so, 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.

As a Senior Systems Engineer you will...

• 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

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

• 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. 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 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 (SRR), Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR), and Test Readiness Review (TRR).
• Have knowledge of the Navy Trident II Strategic Weapon System and/or Air Force ICBM System.
• Hold an active Secret or higher level clearance.

About Us

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.

Why Work at APL?

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually