Strategic Systems Software Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Strategic Systems Software Engineer to streamline workflows, deploy secure software, and enable large-scale mission impact.

You will work with developers, system engineers, and sponsors to deliver automation, DevSecOps, and AI-assisted coding tools in secure environments, with occasional US travel and eligibility for security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in C#, Python, JavaScript, C++, or Java.
• Experience with GitLab, Jira, and VS Code.
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and ownership mindset.
• Led software development efforts and mentored others.
• Proficient with DevSecOps practices and automated security scanning.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and AI-assisted coding tools.
• Willingness to travel within the US and obtain security clearances.
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to streamline engineering workflows and improve software quality via automation.
• Promote DevSecOps across the software development lifecycle.
• Prepare and execute software deployments at APL and at installation sites.
• Collaborate with developers, system engineers, analysts, and sponsors to meet system needs.

Skills

C#

Python

JavaScript

C++

Java

Leadership

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

GitLab

Jira

VS Code

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Ansible

Terraform

GitHub Copilot

Claude Code

ASP.NET Core

Entity Framework Core

SQL Server

Job description

Description

Are you motivated by directly contributing to our nation’s strategic deterrence capabilities by solving complex technical challenges at scale?

Are you motivated by directly contributing to our nation’s strategic deterrence capabilities by solving complex technical challenges at scale? Do you enjoy building software and designing streamlined workflows that enable small teams to accomplish large-scale mission impact? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We're looking for engineers who see opportunities where others see constraints—people who leverage automation, AI-assisted development tools, DevSecOps, and modern software architectures to accelerate delivery, improve quality, and enable our team to support more programs with greater efficiency. The Software Engineering and Data Transformation Group (KBE), within the Strategic Deterrence Mission Area of the Force Projection Sector, supports the data architecture, collection, processing, and distribution required to evaluate Strategic Weapon Systems. Our team works across the full software engineering lifecycle in complex security and operational environments, partnering with a variety of sponsors. We value collaboration, accountability, and the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies.

As a Strategic Systems Software Engineer

• You will identify opportunities to streamline engineering workflows and improve software quality through automation, analytics, and emerging software development technologies.
• You will promote DevSecOps practices through integration of security, testing, and compliance practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
• You will prepare and execute software deployments, both at APL and with customers at installation sites, ensuring successful and high-quality results.
• You will work closely with other developers, system engineers, technical leads, end users (data processors and analysts), and our government sponsors to understand the system needs and develop solutions to meet them.

Qualifications

• Have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another technical field; or equivalent years of relevant professional experience.
• Have 5+ years of relevant experience developing in programming languages such as C#, Python, JavaScript, C++, and/or Java.
• Have experience in using modern software development and project management tools (e.g. GitLab, Jira, VS Code).
• Have experience with design and integration of software with relational databases and/or NoSQL databases.
• Thrive in a collaborative team environment while taking ownership of your work and contributing your unique expertise to achieve mission success.
• Possess strong debugging, investigative, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Are interested in leading software development efforts and providing technical mentorship.
• Stay current with emerging software engineering technologies, tools, and methodologies, and identify opportunities to apply them to improve mission outcomes, software quality, and development efficiency.
• Have experience implementing DevSecOps practices, including automated security scanning, vulnerability management, and software supply chain security.
• Have experience with containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman) and orchestration technologies (e.g., Kubernetes).
• Have hands‑on experience leveraging AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, or similar technologies) to improve development efficiency, code quality, testing, or documentation generation.
• Are willing and able to travel within the US (not likely to exceed a few trips per year with no more than five days in duration for each).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Final 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 or higher degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or another field with relevant professional experience.
• Have led software development teams and provided mentorship to technical staff.
• Have front-end and back-end web development experience.
• Have experience with infrastructure as code, e.g., Ansible or Terraform.
• Have experience developing software using Microsoft technologies (e.g., ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, SQL Server).
• Have developed multi‑tier software architectures capable of operating at different scales and security classification levels.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance, or higher.

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