Weapon Systems Analyst - System Performance Analysis Group

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Weapons Systems Analyst within the System Performance Analysis Group (KBS) in the Force Projection Sector to advance testing and evaluation of strategic weapon systems. You will lead T&E efforts and provide technical insights to ensure performance and reliability.

You will guide cross‑functional teams across military, government and industry stakeholders, delivering data‑driven analyses to refine requirements and support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of hands-on experience in weapons systems testing and analysis.
• Strong leadership experience managing cross-functional technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with collaboration across military, government and industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and SME as System Test and Evaluation Leader for strategic systems evaluations and performance reporting.
• Serve as System Leader for critical test campaigns, demonstration, and integration activities.
• Lead technical studies to refine weapon system performance requirements at all-segment levels.
• Identify and propose data collection needs for system integration, verification, validation, and sustainment, including operational performance and surveillance analysis.
• Provide technical analysis and insight to address sponsor and operator inquiries on system testing, data interpretation, and performance challenges.

Skills

Leadership experience

Written and verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Description

Are you an experienced, passionate leader who drives innovation and unites teams to achieve mission-critical goals?

Do you want to shape the future of our nation’s most advanced strategic systems through cutting-edge test and evaluation?

Are you ready to protect and strengthen national security by tackling challenges that demand bold, innovative solutions?

Do you thrive on solving the toughest technical challenges using your expertise, creativity, and passion for making a real impact?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team!

The System Performance Analysis Group (KBS) in the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL is seeking analysts, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and systems engineers to help advance the development and optimization of strategic weapon systems. Our expertise in data‑driven analysis, systems engineering, test planning, test execution, and performance modeling & simulating strengthens deterrence systems essential for preserving geopolitical stability—ensuring that strategic capabilities remain a reliable tool for de‑escalation and negotiated outcomes.

As a Weapons Systems Analyst for KBS you will…

• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise as System Test and Evaluation (T&E) Leader for strategic systems evaluations and performance reporting.
• Serve as System Leader for critical test campaigns, demonstration, and integration activities.
• Lead technical studies to refine weapon system performance requirements at the all‑segment levels.
• Identify and propose data collection needs for system integration, verification, validation, and sustainment, including operational performance and surveillance analysis.
• Provide technical analysis and insight to address sponsor and operator inquiries on system testing, data interpretation, and performance challenges.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience) and 4+ years of hands‑on experience in weapons systems testing and analysis, with a focus on strategic systems.
• Demonstrate strong leadership experience, including managing cross‑functional technical teams to solve complex problems in high‑stakes defense or systems engineering environments.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across varying teams (military, government, and industry stakeholders).
• Are available to travel for extended field tests and meetings (approx. 20–30 days per year) and routine monthly trips to Washington, DC for stakeholder engagement and program coordination.
• Have an active Secret Clearance and are able to 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…

• 10+ years in Air Force/Navy Strategic operations or T&E.
• Master’s in STEM or related field.
• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Familiarity with Trident II/Sentinel programs.
• Experience with Model-Based/Digital Engineering.

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. 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. 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].

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually