System Security Engineer

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

Job summary

Join the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as a Senior System Security Engineer, contributing to critical defense and security missions. You will lead interdisciplinary teams in designing and engineering resilient solutions.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of experience in systems engineering. A competitive salary ranges from $100,000 to $245,000 annually, depending on qualifications. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, along with an active Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design, development, and deployment of complex systems.
• Extensive knowledge in leading complex technical programs.
• Active Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical projects for sponsor missions.
• Ensure systems meet operational requirements.
• Communicate technical risks and limitations.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant 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.

As a Senior Systems Security Engineer you will…

• 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• 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

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.

APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://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].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually