Senior Systems Engineer — Mission System Design Lead

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

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