Weapon Systems Analyst - System Definition & Validation Group

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Join the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as a Weapon System Analyst, tackling complex technical challenges in security systems. This role involves multi-disciplinary collaboration and analytical rigor to shape advanced deterrence strategies.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a passion for developing weapon-system expertise. Salary ranges from $85,000 to $195,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant technical or analytical experience.
• Strong analytical ability with a capacity to learn new domains.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.

Responsibilities

• Integrate into multi-disciplinary teams with a systems engineering perspective.
• Support analyses at system and sub-system levels through data-driven recommendations.
• Assist with requirements and architecture reviews.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical discipline

Tools

High-fidelity simulation tools

Model-based systems engineering tools

Job description

Job Description

Are you eager to join a team tackling some of our Nation’s most compelling security challenges? Do you have a passion for weapon‑system concepts and a drive to apply analytical thinking to strategic deterrence and national defense? Would you like to grow your expertise while helping shape the future of America’s most advanced strategic systems? Do you enjoy working on tough technical problems, learning from seasoned experts, and making a tangible impact? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

The System Definition & Validation Group (KBY) in the Force Projection sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking motivated analysts, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and systems engineers to fill the role of Weapon System Analyst. The successful candidate will work on complex, multi‑disciplinary problems alongside senior experts, gaining the experience and mentorship needed to become a future leader in strategic‑systems analysis.

Responsibilities

• Integrate into multidisciplinary teams that apply a “whole‑of‑system” perspective and systems‑engineering rigor to shape platforms that meet current and future warfighter requirements.
• Support in‑depth analyses at the system and sub‑system levels, producing data‑driven recommendations that inform design decisions.
• Develop an understanding of how weapon systems function, are tested, operated, and maintained, and how they fit into broader deterrence concepts; you will translate that knowledge into clear guidance for warfighter employment under senior mentorship.
• Contribute to requirements and architecture reviews, helping evaluate change impacts and safeguard mission performance while learning the fundamentals of system requirements, interfaces, and capabilities.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement, helping navigate expectations and relationships so program leadership can better satisfy warfighter needs.
• Continuously expand knowledge of weapon systems, associated delivery platforms, and the system‑level engineering processes that support them through on‑the‑job training, workshops, and self‑directed study.
• Participate in sponsor‑support trips (up to 2–4 per year, each ≤1 week) and perform local travel for stakeholder meetings as needed.
• Apply emerging models, simulations, and early‑stage assessment tools under the guidance of senior analysts to help accelerate validation and reduce risk.
• Provide fresh perspectives and analytical rigor, leveraging your technical background to challenge assumptions and contribute innovative ideas.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Possess 2+ years of relevant technical or analytical experience (e.g., work on complex engineering projects, systems analysis, data‑driven modeling, or operational research). Experience does not have to be on weapon systems; strong analytical ability and a demonstrated capacity to learn new domains are essential.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving skills, quantitative analysis capabilities, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly both in writing and orally.
• Exhibit the right attributes for growth – curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, and a drive to develop deep weapon‑system expertise.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

Additional Experience

• Advanced coursework or graduate‑level study (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field.
• Prior exposure to weapon‑system concepts (e.g., missiles, bombers, hypersonics, or comparable high‑technology platforms) through internships, research projects, or early‑career roles.
• Experience conducting trade‑studies, requirements analysis, or system‑level modeling in any engineering domain.
• Familiarity with high‑fidelity simulation or model‑based systems engineering tools.
• An active Top‑Secret clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $195,000 Annually