Strategic Systems Design Engineer (First‑Principles)

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) seeks a Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer (Systems Design Analysis focus) to ensure physical realization, durability, and credibility of strategic weapon systems.

Based in the System Realization and Resilience Group within the Force Projection Sector, you will perform first-principles calculations across subsystems and guide design with data-driven recommendations.

Qualifications

• BS in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical engineering or related physical engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of hands-on engineering design analysis, numerical modeling, or multi-physics calculations on complex physical systems.
• Skilled in analyzing system engineering trade space, interfaces and environmental survivability parameters.
• Willing to travel 5–10% and obtain security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Perform first-principles engineering calculations and detailed physical design analyses across subsystems (mechanical, electrical, thermal, nuclear, or fluid).
• Execute quantitative trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and margin evaluations under harsh environments.
• Identify systemic design vulnerabilities and provide data-driven design recommendations.
• Link analysis results back to the digital baseline, collaborating with systems engineers using Cameo/MagicDraw.

Skills

System engineering

MBSE

Travel readiness

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Cameo Enterprise Architect

MagicDraw

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer (Systems Design Analysis focus) to ensure physical realization, durability, and credibility of strategic weapon systems.

Based in the System Realization and Resilience Group within the Force Projection Sector, you will perform first-principles calculations across subsystems and guide design with data-driven recommendations.