View Jobs in All Categories:

Job Description

Do you want to be part of an organization focused on creating defining innovations that ensure our nation's preeminence in National Security Space in the 21st century?

Are you passionate about solving complex challenges and strive for game-changing impact in every project you take on?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team in the Space Systems and Analysis Branch focusing on National Security Space at APL.

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

We are seeking a System-of-Systems Engineer (SoSE) to help us lead and coordinate APL technical efforts across the National Security Space domain.  The SoSE role involves cradle-to-grave engineering with a focus on the integration of disparate systems that can bridge missions, domains, and commands.  Of immediate interest is the engineering of a cohesive set of capabilities for offensive and defensive space control that can surveil, defend, and project power to ensure the safe transit to, and operation within, space.  The successful candidate will also work with the Space Systems & Analysis Principal Engineer for NSS to develop the processes, discipline, and methods for being the technical direction agent/technical advisor across the critical programs and infrastructure of the National Security Space domain.

As a System-of-Systems Engineer for Advanced Space Concept Development & Analysis...

• You will work across National Security Space programs to develop a cohesive set of integrated capabilities that can pace the threat.
• You will work to pull together the efforts, drive the required thinking and discipline, coordinate across APL teams and external partners, and create the strong sponsor relationships within the acquisition programs to enable enduring capabilities and enduring technical leadership relationships with APL.
• You will coordinate and work with other mission areas at APL to bring integrated capabilities to the warfighter.
• You will lead and coordinate efforts to identify technical risks and recommend resolution approaches to the government sponsors and industry partners. Fulfill the government technical representative role for community wide meetings and briefs. 
• You will advise the government sponsors regarding design or development changes, ideas and/or recommendations for their current systems and future variants, and collaborate with APL staff to investigate areas to improve performance.
• You will interface with the sponsors and other stakeholders as appropriate on system of systems technical issues.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a MS in engineering, physics or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of 10 years of experience in mission systems engineering, systems of systems engineering, or end-to-end kill (effects) chain engineering.
• General knowledge of the challenges of integrated fire control.
• General knowledge of space systems, to include active and passive sensor systems, communications, etc.
• Have demonstrated success in leading complex engineering tasks while demonstrating a significant degree of leadership, interpersonal, and systems engineering skills.
• Have a working knowledge of Government systems acquisition.
• Have familiarity with top-level systems engineering concepts associated with National Security Space programs and systems. Ability and willingness to interact with sponsors, prime contractors, APL staff, and management to arrive at mutually acceptable plans and achieve results. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a 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.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date. 

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a PhD in engineering, physics or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in family of systems engineering, systems of systems engineering in the defense domain
• Advanced knowledge of the challenges of integrated fire control.
• Have an active Top Secret clearance.

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 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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.