Systems Engineer
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onScaggsville Road, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, 20723, United States
About the Team
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a mission-driven, not-for-profit research and development center dedicated to solving complex national security and space challenges. Within our Engineering & Design team in the Defense & Aerospace sector, we foster an intellectually curious and inclusive environment. We provide strong backing for research, innovation, advanced degrees, and professional growth, empowering our engineers to tackle high-impact, real-world problems that support critical national missions.
About the Role
As a Systems Engineer, you will architect, analyze, and integrate complex systems that underpin national security and space operations. This role exists to bridge the gap between abstract mission concepts and tangible, operational realities. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary experts—including electrical, mechanical, software, and controls engineers—to ensure coherent, integrated system designs that balance performance, cost, risk, and schedule.
Your day-to-day involves leading the full systems engineering lifecycle from concept through operations. You will translate stakeholder needs into clear, testable requirements and develop robust system architectures using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Beyond technical design, you will conduct trade studies, lead integration and test activities, and analyze operational data to verify system compliance. You will also present data-driven recommendations to internal review boards and external sponsors, while mentoring junior engineers and engaging in continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging technologies.
Hiring Process
Candidates selected for this role must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, which typically requires U.S. citizenship. The selection process focuses on technical expertise, mission alignment, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Equal Opportunity
APL is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that individuals from all backgrounds bring to our mission.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Scaggsville Road, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, 20723, United States
Columbia, Maryland
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Frequently asked questions about Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
What does a Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory do?expand_more
A Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is responsible for the following: Lead and contribute to the full systems engineering lifecycle for defense and aerospace systems; Elicit, analyze, and manage stakeholder needs to translate them into clear system requirements; Develop and document system architectures, interface definitions, and design concepts; and Plan and conduct trade studies and modeling to assess system performance and evaluate alternatives.
What are the requirements for this Systems Engineer role?expand_more
To qualify for the Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory position, applicants should have: U.S. citizenship required for security clearance; INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP/CSEP/ESEP) preferred; DoD 8570/8140-compliant cybersecurity certification (e.g., Security+) a plus; PMP or similar a plus; Experience on DoD, intelligence community, or NASA programs preferred; and MATLAB or Python.
Where is the Systems Engineer role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory located?expand_more
Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is based in Scaggsville Road, Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, 20723, United States. This is a on-site role.