Senior Ocean Engineer

Description Are you passionate about shaping the future of maritime systems and undersea warfare? Do you thrive at the intersection of technical innovation and strategy? Are you looking for an opportunity to influence technical direction while leading multidisciplinary technical teams tackling the Navy's most challenging problems in the maritime domain? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our Ocean Systems and Engineering Group at APL. We are seeking a Senior Ocean Engineer to serve as a senior engineer and lead across our maritime portfolio. This position is intended for an engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision – someone who can recognize emerging operational needs, formulate innovative technical approaches, build enduring internal and external relationships, and help shape the long‑term investments in maritime advancements. Working across multiple programs and technical organizations, you will help define technical priorities, guide complex engineering efforts, mentor technical staff, and translate operational challenges into impactful research and development programs that deliver capability to the Fleet. As a Senior Ocean Engineer, you will: Shape the technical direction of our ocean systems portfolio by identifying emerging mission needs and developing long‑term technology strategies. Provide technical leadership across multiple maritime and undersea warfare initiatives spanning autonomous systems, sensing, communications, payload integration, and mission systems. Build trusted relationships while identifying opportunities for new technical collaborations and research initiatives. Guide multidisciplinary teams from concept development through prototype demonstration and technology transition. Develop technical roadmaps, white papers, strategic proposals, and sponsor briefings aimed at sustained impact and growth. Identify opportunities to integrate expertise across APL Mission Areas to solve complex operational challenges. Mentor engineers and scientists while fostering technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Qualifications You meet our minimum requirements for the job if you… Possess a bachelor's degree in an engineering field or equivalent demonstrated experience in engineering, systems thinking, or analytical approaches to solve complex maritime security and technical challenges. Have 10+ years of relevant experience leading complex engineering, systems integration, research and development, acquisition, or operational initiatives involving maritime, naval, undersea, or autonomous systems. Demonstrate success establishing technical vision, integrating multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative solutions to complex sponsor challenges. Have experience developing technical strategy and engaging senior government sponsors to shape research, technology, or capability investments. Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior technical, military, and executive leadership. Demonstrate the ability to identify emerging mission needs and translate them into executable technical programs. Hold an active Secret security clearance and be able to obtain a Top Secret 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… Hold an M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline. Have experience as a Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, or comparable senior technical leader. Have successfully transitioned advanced technologies into operational Navy or DoD capabilities. Have established relationships with ONR, NAVSEA, DARPA, NAVWAR, PEOs, or other defense sponsors. Have demonstrated success growing technical portfolios, creating new research initiatives, and shaping long‑term investment strategies. Hold an active Top Secret security 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 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 click.appcast.io. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory