System Security Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance program

Retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, is seeking a Senior System Security Engineer to lead technical projects and ensure systems meet operational needs. Candidates should have substantial experience in systems engineering and possess at least a Bachelor's degree in a related field. The role requires U.S. citizenship and an active security clearance.

With a focus on innovation, APL offers generous benefits and a commitment to diversity. The pay range for this position is $100,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and deployment of complex systems.
• Strong technical background in full lifecycle systems engineering.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex technical programs for cyber resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects and apply systems engineering knowledge.
• Design and engineer resilient, cutting-edge solutions.
• Communicate technical risk and limitations to stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Cybersecurity

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Masters or PhD in a related field

Job description

Description

Are you looking for an opportunity to utilize your technical skills to solve complex, real‑world problems? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! Our team is in need of detail‑oriented Senior System Security Engineers to contribute to sponsor missions. In this role, you will serve as a technical lead, working with a dedicated team of professionals to provide full systems engineering support across the system development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects and apply your knowledge of systems engineering and analysis to successfully deliver projects to meet sponsor needs
• Lead interdisciplinary teams to design and engineer resilient, cutting‑edge solutions
• Work with government stakeholders and decision makers to ensure systems under development meet their varied and complex operational needs, while communicating technical risk and limitations
• Lead efforts to design and develop systems to meet operational requirements
• Contribute to innovation by identifying and contributing new ideas for potential funding

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you ...

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems Security or related field
• Have at least 7+ years of experience in the design, development, and deployment of complex systems or analytics
• Have a strong technical background with the full lifecycle systems engineering processes
• Possess extensive knowledge and demonstrated success in leading complex technical programs to achieve a cyber resilient design
• Have demonstrated experience with system design and prototyping novel solutions including concept development, requirements analysis, design, test and evaluation
• Have demonstrated team leadership or project management skills
• Are comfortable working independently as well as in a team
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills and strong critical thinking skills
• Are willing to travel to and from sponsor and test sites up to 20% of the time
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possess a Masters or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Cybersecurity, Computer Information Systems Security or related field
• Have experience in applied research for the areas of systems/software engineering, system definition, design, and development, system architecture, requirements analysis, test and evaluation, or a related field
• Have experience with DoD weapons, sensors, or other related operational military technology
• Have an understanding of critical infrastructure and non‑traditional systems
• Hold an active Top Secret Security Clearance

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. 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.

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].

Pay Range

Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually