Operational Weapon Systems Engineer

Description

Do you like complicated problems, working with technical systems and have a prior experience in Navy operations?

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

We are seeking an Operational Systems Engineer to help us lead teams developing and designing future advanced combat systems with a specific focus towards non-kinetic effects. You get to work with the government and the combat systems engineering agent to integrate capabilities. You will be a recognized subject matter expert (SME) within the lab on operational issues, including tactical employment!

As a Operational Systems Engineer you will...

• Participate in the integration of sensors and weapons systems to create future combat systems, including to integrate non-kinetic and directed energy capabilities in a way to be operationally and technically feasible
• Provide systems engineering expertise and develop system requirements for next‑generation combat systems
• Develop, integrate and analyze defensive and offensive combat systems, to include all phases of the Kill Chain (Find-Fix-Track-Target-Engage-Assess) in the greater context of kill webs in order to achieve increased operational effectiveness
• Use your technical knowledge and operational experience‑informed leadership to help integrate non‑kinetic/directed energy systems onto Navy platforms

Qualifications

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

• Hold a BS degree in electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or other related field
• Have at least 3 years of related professional and/or operational experience in surface combat systems.
• Have active duty experience in operational use of Navy combat management systems.
• Have at least 2 year’s experience conducting performance analysis, requirements analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for DoD systems.
• Posses strong speaking and writing skills.
• Are able to organize tasks, collaborate with other and coordinate your work across multiple concurrent projects.
• Are willing and able to support 15% local travel and 5% travel within CONUS. Occasional opportunity to ride USN ships and work at US Navy testing sites around the country.
• Currently hold an interim Secret security clearance, and be able to obtain Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, be subject to a government security investigation and 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 a MS in systems engineering or a closely related field.
• Have a Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) degree or diploma from a professional military secondary education institution (Naval War College, Army War College, Air War College, Naval Post Graduate School, etc).
• Have at least 6 years of professional experience in surface warfare or related fields.
• Prior experience in developing weapons systems and tactics
• Have a background in design, experimentation and validation of, or systems engineering applied to surface combat or weapons systems.
• Worked previously with NAVSEA Defense Acquisition Programs or OPNAV staff, specifically N9 / N2N6.
• Can effectively lead technical projects with previous project management experience.
• Hold an active top secret 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually