Weapon Systems Analyst - Trident Strategic Weapon System

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; 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 to join the KBY group in the Force Projection sector. You will work on multidisciplinary teams to shape platforms that meet warfighter needs through rigorous system-level analyses and data‑driven recommendations.

You will develop deep weapon‑system understanding, contribute to requirements reviews, engage with sponsors, and participate in travel for meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent education and experience.
• 2+ years of relevant technical, operational, systems, or analytical experience.
• Strong problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Active Secret clearance by start date with potential to obtain Top Secret; U.S. citizenship required.
• Preferred: MS/PhD and experience with weapon-system concepts or model-based systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Integrate into multidisciplinary teams applying a whole‑of‑system perspective and systems engineering rigor.
• Support analyses at system and sub-system levels; provide data‑driven design guidance.
• Develop understanding of weapon systems, testing, operation, and deterrence context for warfighter employment.
• Contribute to requirements and architecture reviews; assess change impacts and mission performance.
• Assist in stakeholder engagement to align expectations with warfighter needs.
• Expand knowledge via on‑the‑job training, workshops, and self‑directed study.
• Participate in sponsor trips (up to 2–4 per year; each ≤1 week) and local stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written and oral communication

Problem solving

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering / CS / physics / math

Job description

Are you eager to join a team tackling some of our Nation’s most compelling security challenges?

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 JohnsHopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking motivated analysts, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and systems engineers to fill the role of Weapon System Analyst.

As a Weapons Systems Analyst for KBY you will…

• 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 ≤1week) 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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess 2+years of relevant technical, operational, systems, 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.
• Hold an active Secret level security clearance 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 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.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually