Senior Systems Design Engineer / Analyst

Do you thrive when a single analysis can shift the balance of national security?

Are you a “systems thinker” with deep, hands‑on experience designing and analyzing tangible, high‑impact defense assets?

If you’re eager to work side‑by‑side with elite technical specialists in a collaborative, sponsor‑focused environment, APL wants you on our team.

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are hiring a Senior Systems Design Analyst for the System Realization and Resilience Group in the Force Projection Sector. Our group delivers the engineering design and analysis backbone for Navy and Air Force strategic deterrence programs, turning complex physics into actionable insight for decision‑makers.

As a Senior Systems Design Engineer ...

• Shape weapon‑system architectures – Using digital‑engineering tools (Cameo/MagicDraw, physics‑based models, logistics and simulation) you will evaluate current and future weapon concepts, assess performance, and construct resilient, modular designs that meet stringent deterrence requirements.
• Lead technical studies – You will drive, coordinate, and present rigorous engineering analyses (structural, thermal, electromagnetic, reliability, logistics, etc.) that feed directly into sponsor reviews and program baselines.
• Advise as a Trusted Technical‑Direction Agent – Your recommendations will influence design direction, risk mitigation, and test‑evaluation plans. While you will not own the final decision, you will set the technical bar; any deviation will require a “show‑cause” justification.
• Integrate the digital thread – Apply hands‑on MBSE expertise to embed analysis results in a unified SysML/DoDAF model, ensuring traceability from high‑level requirements through test data.
• Communicate with impact – Deliver concise briefings and technically robust reports to senior sponsors and contractors, translating complex analyses into clear, decision‑ready recommendations.
• Navigate complex stakeholder networks – Operate effectively across a matrix of peer, partner, and sponsor relationships, influencing outcomes without formal authority.

Core Expectations

• Significant Multi‑disciplinary design depth – A proven record of leading design efforts that span at least three distinct “hard‑science” engineering domains (e.g., mechanical, electrical/electronic, aerospace, nuclear, materials, chemical, petroleum, civil, etc.).
• Demonstrated Analytical rigor – Extensive experience developing or enhancing physics‑based, logistics‑based, or statistical models and simulations for complex systems.
• Solid Systems‑engineering literacy – Familiarity with formal SE processes, standards, and lifecycle methods.
• Minimal MBSE competency – Comfortable using Cameo (or equivalent MBSE tool) to create SysML/DoDAF models, conduct trade studies, and manage requirements. You need hands‑on experience to start, and a willingness to deepen your competence; mastery will be built on the job.
• Communication prowess – Exceptional written and oral skills, with a proven ability to convey sophisticated technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Leadership in collaborative settings – Demonstrated ability to guide multi‑disciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and influence senior stakeholders.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a hard‑science engineering discipline (materials, mechanical, electrical/electronic, aerospace, chemical, petroleum, civil, etc.) or a comparable technical field.
• 10 + years of progressive engineering design/analysis experience, 5+ years in a senior or lead capacity, with a clear focus on tangible systems realization.
• Proven experience using Cameo/MagicDraw (or similar MBSE tools) in a hands‑on capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to develop or extend physics‑based, logistic, or statistical models for complex or system‑level analysis.
• Active Secret clearance at start date and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance within six months.
• U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a government security clearance investigation.

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

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in systems engineering or a related hard‑science discipline.
• Direct experience with missile, ICBM, or other strategic weapons programs.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, Pre‑Milestone A activities, or program‑level concept development.
• Significant expertise in additional MBSE tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, etc.)

Travel: Up to 10 % travel, primarily to sponsor offices in Northern Virginia, Utah, and occasional visits to other military installations

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  .

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  View email address on apply.j-vers.com .

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.