Senior Systems Engineer – Advanced Reentry

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, seeks a Senior Systems Engineer with at least 10 years of experience to lead and assess next-generation hypersonic and reentry systems. The candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, prepare for design reviews, and engage with government and industry leaders. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required, along with relevant experience in prototype development and systems engineering. An active Secret clearance is necessary.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience required.
• Experience leading technical cross-functional teams of engineers.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance; eligibility includes U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering and leadership to assess weapon system capabilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project engineering teams.
• Prepare and participate in major design and requirements reviews.
• Engage with leadership on fast-paced defense programs.

Skills

Systems engineering expertise

Leadership in technical teams

Effective communication with stakeholders

Prototype development

Risk assessment

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

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

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly technical senior systems engineer to help assess, design, and prototype next generation hypersonic, reentry systems, and enabling technologies. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to the effectiveness of our nation’s strategic deterrent.

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 multidisciplinary 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 and 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 including 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 includes U.S. citizenship.

Preferred 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 SRR, PDR, CDR, and 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.

Equal Opportunity 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, including those with disabilities.