Senior Systems Engineer - Reentry & Advanced Strategic Capabilities

Description Are you driven to be part of a team where you can contribute to some of our Nation’s most fascinating security challenges? Are you passionate about applying your expertise and analytical skills to strategic deterrence and national defense? Are you interested in hypersonic and reentry system design and prototyping? Do you want to shape the future of our nation’s most advanced strategic systems? Do you thrive on solving the toughest technical challenges using your expertise, creativity, and passion for making a real impact? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team! The System Definition & Validation Group (KBY) within the Force Projection Sector at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a highly technical Senior Systems Engineer/Systems Analyst to design, analyze, assess, and contribute to the development and advancement of hypersonic, reentry systems and key enabling technologies. The ideal candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technical experts to solve complex system-level challenges, identify critical technologies, and address current and future capability gaps. This role offers the opportunity to make impactful technical contributions to next‑generation strategic systems while helping ensure the enduring effectiveness of the Nation’s strategic deterrent. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about innovation, thrive on challenging technical problems, and value collaboration, continuous learning, and mission impact. As a Senior Systems Engineer – Reentry & Advanced Strategic Capabilities you will… Provide systems engineering expertise and leadership to assess weapon system capabilities and support/lead the development of next generation reentry systems, hypersonic systems, and enabling technologies. Collaborate and engage with multi-disciplinary project engineering teams within APL, government sponsors, military personnel, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions. You will prepare for and participate in major design and requirements reviews. Participate in government working groups and/or integrated product teams to evaluate industry concepts, designs, and proposals to provide technical recommendations to government sponsors. Engage with senior government, industry, and national laboratory leadership on fast‑paced, high‑visibility defense programs. Produce reports and presentations to communicate analysis results, concepts, proposals and recommendations to leadership, external organization partners, and government sponsors. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Have a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, systems engineering and/or related technical field. Have 3+ years of relevant experience with nuclear strategic weapon systems, high-end conventional strategic systems, reentry, hypersonic, space systems, or other similar systems. Have experience with complex hardware / software prototype development. Have experience in early concept development efforts i.e., design trade studies, requirements analysis, and risk assessment. Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security 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 an advanced degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related technical field. Have 7+ years of relevant experience for nuclear strategic weapon systems, high-end conventional strategic systems, reentry, hypersonic, space systems, or other similar systems. Have experience guiding the execution of Department of War (DoW) acquisition processes, Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), and/or Air Force intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programs. Have experience employing systems engineering software, especially model based systems engineering tools, to design complex systems. Have experience using Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) and related physics-based modeling tools. 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 Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab