Senior Systems Engineer

Are you eager to architect and deliver robust, scalable, and secure systems that enable real operational decisions for warfighters?

Are you excited to directly impact the nation’s most challenging defense problems?

Are you passionate about large, mission‑critical systems, digital engineering, model‑based systems engineering (MBSE), and mission engineering?

The Mission Engineering Group of the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL is seeking a Senior Digital Systems Engineer to help lead the technical vision, architecture, and implementation of mission‑centered, model‑based capabilities that advance augmented human decision making.

About Us

The Mission Engineering Group develops enterprise-grade, distributed software and decision-support tools that enable warfighters to harness a wide-ranging set of sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions critical to our nation’s defense.

We emphasize engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the systems engineering lifecycle while promoting a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

As a Senior Digital Systems Engineer within the Mission Engineering Group, you will…

• Lead mission-focused systems and digital engineering efforts by applying systems thinking and mission engineering to translate warfighter needs into mission architectures and system requirements.
• Lead the development and promotion of digital models, including Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models (e.g., SysML/UAF), of mission and system architectures for the design and implementation of complex systems and systems‑of‑systems critical to the warfighter.
• Design and refine digital engineering workflows, integrations, and reusable model patterns for APL and our sponsors.
• Architect and guide implementation of mission‑critical systems with a focus on scalability, resilience, performance, and security.
• Ensure rigorous systems and mission engineering practices, including reviews, documentation, model governance, and risk management.
• Collaborate with APL teams, government sponsors, warfighters, and industry partners to deliver mission‑relevant solutions.
• Engage with senior government, industry, and national laboratory leadership on fast‑paced, high‑visibility defense programs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, helping shape engineering culture and best practices.
• Document and present your results to project leads, sponsors, and technical workshops, conferences, and pivotal decision makers.

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

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field.
• Have at least seven years of relevant systems engineering lifecycle experience with complex systems or systems‑of‑systems.
• Have at least two years of practical MBSE experience developing mission architectures using UAF, with hands‑on UML/SysML/UAF modeling in tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, or Sparx EA, and the ability to link operational needs to system capabilities using the mission engineering process.
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and can explain complex technical concepts to wide-ranging audiences.
• Are willing and able to work a portion of the time in secure, closed areas and travel occasionally to government sites and contractor facilities (local and non-local).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have a master's or doctorate degree in systems engineering, engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or another related technical field.

• Have at least ten years of experience performing systems engineering in the design, development, and/or evaluation of complex systems or systems‑of‑systems.

• Have deep digital engineering/MBSE expertise (e.g., broad tooling knowledge, Cameo/MagicDraw API, tool integration, digital ecosystem interoperability, Python/Java for MBSE).

• Have led large or multi-team engineering efforts, providing architectural direction and driving adoption of digital engineering and MBSE across organizations.

• Have relevant Object Management Group (OMG) or other systems engineering certifications.

• Have experience with tool integration, digital connectors, or digital ecosystem interoperability (e.g., connecting MBSE tools with requirements, simulation, test, or configuration management tools).
• Have programming experience in Python and/or Java, particularly in support of MBSE, data processing, or tool integration.
• Are experienced with DevSecOps toolchains (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST tools) and can describe advanced digital engineering and development ecosystems.
• Bring prior experience in defense, intelligence, or related mission domains, including working with operational users and/or in classified environments.
• Have experience leading mission engineering efforts that span all disciplines described in the Mission Engineering Guide.

• Hold an active TS/SCI level security clearance.

#LI-AG1

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.