Spacecraft Power System Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Spacecraft Power System Engineer in Laurel, MD to lead power system development for space missions. You will supervise a 10–20 person multidisciplinary team and drive design, testing, and integration of spacecraft power components.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in engineering, 7–15 years of experience, and familiarity with power topologies, solar/battery sizing, and system energy balance, with eligibility for TS/SCI

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field.
• 7–15 years of experience developing spacecraft power systems.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiar with spacecraft power topologies.
• Able to travel occasionally (overnight).
• Eligibility for TS/SCI clearance (U.S. citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Lead power systems development for space flight missions.
• Lead a development team of 10–20 engineers.
• Perform conceptual design studies and help develop mission proposals.
• Develop subsystem and hardware requirements, test plans, and verification.
• Estimate battery capacities, solar array sizes, and predict system performance.
• Lead power system integration and test on spacecraft; support launch and flight operations.

Skills

Team leadership

Power system design

Solar sizing

Battery performance

Security clearance

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about space?

Are you looking for meaningful work in spacecraft power systems?

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

We are seeking a Power System Engineer to help us develop flight power systems and hardware. You will contribute to space missions of national importance for science and exploration, as well as national security. You will join a hardworking team of engineers that conceive, develop, test, launch and fly spacecraft power components and systems. Our group's mission is to design, test, and deliver reliable spacecraft power systems for APL's space sector and broader space community that enable the tools to expand our knowledge of the universe. Our team aims to create an accountable and collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to seek out critical challenges, to make discoveries, and to develop advancements in power electronics. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration, mentoring, and acceptance.

As a Spacecraft Power System Engineer you will…

• Lead APL power systems development for one or more space flight missions.
• Lead a development team of 10-20 multidisciplinary engineers.
• Perform conceptual design studies and help develop mission proposals.
• Develop subsystem and hardware component requirements, develop test plans and perform requirements verification.
• Estimate battery capacities, solar array sizes, and predict system performance.
• Lead power system integration and test onto spacecraft, and support launch and flight operations.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in an Engineering field.
• Have 7-15 years of experience developing spacecraft power systems.
• Have previously held team leadership positions
• Are familiar with common spacecraft power system topologies.
• Are skilled in solar array and battery performance prediction, sizing, and system energy balance.
• Are able to support in occasional overnight travel.
• Are able to obtain a TS/SCI level security 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…

• Hold a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Have experience designing primary power regulation or distribution hardware.
• Have experience with primary battery technologies.
• Have experience in leading multidisciplinary electronics development teams.
• Have experience with alternative spacecraft power sources such as nuclear sources.
• Hold a TS/SCI 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