Weapon Systems Analyst - System Definition & Validation Group

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks a Weapons Systems Analyst to join the System Definition & Validation Group (KBY). You will work with senior experts on complex, multidisciplinary problems to shape platform requirements and inform warfighter deployment.

You will gain mentorship, learn the fundamentals of system requirements, interfaces, and capabilities, and contribute to risk reduction through data-driven analyses and early-stage assessments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 2+ years of technical/analytical experience; learning across domains is fine.
• Strong problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and clear technical communication.
• Growth-oriented attributes: curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, weapons-system expertise.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance (U.S. citizenship) by start date.

Responsibilities

• Integrate into multidisciplinary teams applying a whole-of-system perspective and rigorous systems engineering.
• Support in-depth analyses at system and subsystem levels with data-driven recommendations.
• Develop understanding of how weapon systems function, are tested, and fit deterrence concepts; translate into guidance for warfighter employment.
• Contribute to requirements and architecture reviews, assessing change impacts and system interfaces.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement to align leadership with warfighter needs.
• Continuously expand knowledge through on-the-job training, workshops, and self-directed study.
• Participate in sponsor-support trips (up to 2–4 per year) and local travel as needed.
• Apply emerging models, simulations, and early-stage assessment tools to accelerate validation and reduce risk.
• Provide fresh perspectives and analytical rigor to challenge assumptions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Systems engineering

Data-driven modeling

Written and oral communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/related technical field

MS/PhD in a relevant technical field

Tools

Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools

High-fidelity simulation

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 weaponsystem 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 JohnsHopkins 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, multidisciplinary problems alongside senior experts, gaining the experience and mentorship needed to become a future leader in strategicsystems analysis.

As a Weapons Systems Analyst for KBY you will...

• Integrate into multidisciplinary teams that apply a "wholeofsystem" perspective and systemsengineering rigor to shape platforms that meet current and future warfighter requirements.
• Support indepth analyses at the system and subsystem levels, producing datadriven 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 systemlevel engineering processes that support them through onthejob training, workshops, and selfdirected study.
• Participate in sponsorsupport trips (up to 2-4 per year, each 1week) and perform local travel for stakeholder meetings as needed.
• Apply emerging models, simulations, and earlystage 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, datadriven 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 problemsolving 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 weaponsystem 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.

You’ll exceed our minimum requirements with experience in any of the following...

• Advanced coursework or graduatelevel study (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field.
• Prior exposure to weaponsystem concepts (e.g., missiles, bombers, hypersonics, or comparable hightechnology platforms) through internships, research projects, or earlycareer roles.
• Experience conducting tradestudies, requirements analysis, or systemlevel modeling in any engineering domain.
• Familiarity with highfidelity simulation or modelbased systems engineering tools.
• An active TopSecret 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.

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually