Quantitative Systems Engineer (Software & Networks)

Description

Do you love dissecting complex software behaviors, data pipelines, and network communications to evaluate how resiliently a system actually performs?

Are you searching for critical, high-impact technical work within strategic deterrence and national defense?

Do you like contributing to multidisciplinary engineering teams where analytical rigor directly drives architecture decisions?

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

We are seeking a Quantitative Systems Engineer (Software & Network Design Engineer / Analyst) to help us evaluate and realize resilient, survivable architectures for nationally vital strategic deterrence capabilities. You will be joining the System Realization and Resilience Group within the Force Projection Sector's Strategic Deterrence Mission Area. Our team is committed to applying rigorous systems-of-systems engineering, cybersecurity, and software assurance to ensure our nation's strategic systems remain credible against evolving threats. We strive to foster an environment of continuous learning, objective technical inquiry, and collaborative innovation where deep technical analysis takes precedence.

As a Systems Design Analyst & Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be to perform rigorous technical design analysis of complex, software-intensive architectures, evaluating system-level data flows, protocol latency, failover mechanisms, and network survivability.
• You will construct and interrogate structural and behavioral system models in Cameo/MagicDraw to evaluate architectural logic, software interface boundaries, and data exchanges.
• You will conduct quantitative trade studies and vulnerability assessments to identify performance bottlenecks, integration friction, and resilience risks early in the development lifecycle.
• You will collaborate with multi-specialty engineering teams to translate analytical findings into actionable architectural improvements, communicating results directly to program sponsors and system contractors.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Have 2+ years of relevant experience executing quantitative: software design analysis, network topology evaluation, or digital system architectural analysis.
• Are skilled in evaluating system interfaces, data pipelines, and distributed communications through quantitative modeling or architectural simulation.
• Have a working knowledge of Systems Engineering fundamentals and some familiarity using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools, such as Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw (SysML).
• Are willing and able to travel periodically (approximately 5–10%), including local visits to sponsor offices and trips to contractor or military test facilities.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get 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...

• Have 5+ years of professional experience executing design analysis.
• Have an MS in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a technical discipline with sustained hands‑on focus in technical design analysis.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or TS/SCI.
• Have direct experience evaluating software assurance, anti‑tamper, or cyber resilience within DoD weapon systems or secure communications architectures.
• Have familiarity with defense acquisition programs, particularly Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) or Air Force nuclear deterrence programs.

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