Weapon Control System Architect, Shipboard Systems Group

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 seeks a Weapon Control System Architect in Laurel, Maryland. This role includes analyzing operational data from weapon systems to enhance resilience, providing independent reviews of system updates, and participating in comprehensive system tests.

Candidates should hold a degree in Computer Science or Engineering and have experience with complex weapon control systems for the Navy or Air Force. A Secret clearance is required, with opportunity for Top Secret clearance, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity.

Qualifications

• Professional experience with complex weapon control systems for Navy or Air Force.
• Active Secret security clearance, eligible for Top Secret clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required for classified information access.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from deployed weapon systems.
• Provide system update reviews for hardware and software.
• Participate in system tests and data analysis.
• Influence future weapon system designs.
• Promote a resilience-first mindset in system design.

Skills

Complex weapon control system expertise

Data analysis of weapon systems

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Cybersecurity integration in design

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about the resilience of weapon control systems for critical Navy and Air Force capabilities?

Do you possess an intimate understanding of the hardware and software components that make up a robust weapon control system? Do you love the idea of building resilience into the core of everything we do for next‑generation weapon system designs and refreshes?

If you are a professional in this field looking for your next challenging opportunity, then we want you on our team!

We are seeking a Weapon Control System Architect to join a dedicated, cross‑disciplinary team that analyzes operational data from deployed weapon systems while engineering system security, digital failure mode detection, and recovery capabilities for both current and future systems. Our team includes former weapon system operators, computer scientists, engineers, and weapon system Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who apply various perspectives to engineer and architect resilient mitigation strategies. We also partner with various industry contractors and government laboratories working towards the same goal of achieving resilient deterrent systems.

As a Weapon Control System Architect, you will…

• Analyze data from deployed weapon systems to characterize limits of digital failure modes and recovery capabilities in the weapon control and missile guidance subsystems.
• Provide independent reviews of proposed system updates ('refreshes') on both the hardware and software level, directly interfacing with the prime contractors responsible for various components of the system as well as government sponsors.
• Participate in a wide variety of test and evaluation efforts, including full scale system tests, conducted at government owned test facilities or onboard Navy platforms, and associated data analysis.
• Influence future weapon system designs to create robust, secure, resilient solutions.
• Work with internal and external stakeholder to promote a resilience‑first mindset, such that cyber security will be a core aspect of system design.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Have professional experience working directly with a complex weapon control system for either the Navy or Air Force.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are eligible for a Top Secret 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…

• Have professional experience analyzing performance aspects of complex digital systems.
• Have direct experience with the Trident II Strategic Weapon System (SWS), the Air Force Minuteman III or Sentinel systems, or with OHIO, VIRGINIA, or COLUMBIA‑class submarines.

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