Weapons System Engineer
Johns Hopkins University APL
Laurel, MD · Posted September 24, 2026
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About the job
Description
Are you enthusiastic about utilizing your analytical and technical skills to design and assess advanced weapon systems that support military warfare initiatives?
Are you a systems thinker with experience in systems engineering who is eager to make a significant impact on critical national defense programs?
Do you enjoy engaging with and enhancing intricate weapon systems?
If so, we believe this opportunity may be for you and we think you should apply to join our team at APL. We are seeking a highly motivated early career System Engineer for the development and evaluation of next generation solutions to our nation’s premier precision strike system. We need creative and innovative thinkers that will push the boundaries through creativity, and collaboration across a team of engineers to develop enabling technologies for advanced weapon systems .
As a Systems Engineer you will...
Perform systems level technical analysis, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives
Participate in engineering team meetings and overall technical development efforts
Support the government sponsor in systems engineering activities such as developing requirements, identifying trade studies, developing interface control documents, developing system architectures, and assessing risks
Develop formal communication through systems engineering documents, reports and present results to senior level government sponsors
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a B.S. degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
Have 1+ years of professional experience with DoW systems
Have experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for complex systems
Have experience developing and customizing system modeling using UML/SysML and associated software
Have strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills and ability to interact with sponsor representatives
Have experience in system engineering principles and practices
Are willing and able to travel periodically to Government and contractor sites within the continental U.S.
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately 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...
Have a Master's degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
Have 5+ years of professional experience with weapons systems
Have direct experience applying aspects of MBSE in support of system development
Have knowledge of DoD Planning, Programming and Budgeting, Acquisition Process/Lifecycle, Research and Development
Have experience in weapon control systems, U.S. Navy surface combatants/submarines, Tomahawk or other strike warfare systems
Have familiarity with software virtualization and computing infrastructure
Have demonstrated ability to interface effectively with government sponsors
Can obtain Top Secret clearance or hold an active Top-Secret clearance or above
#LI-AG1
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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers .
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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu .
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
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually
Are you enthusiastic about utilizing your analytical and technical skills to design and assess advanced weapon systems that support military warfare initiatives?
Are you a systems thinker with experience in systems engineering who is eager to make a significant impact on critical national defense programs?
Do you enjoy engaging with and enhancing intricate weapon systems?
If so, we believe this opportunity may be for you and we think you should apply to join our team at APL. We are seeking a highly motivated early career System Engineer for the development and evaluation of next generation solutions to our nation’s premier precision strike system. We need creative and innovative thinkers that will push the boundaries through creativity, and collaboration across a team of engineers to develop enabling technologies for advanced weapon systems .
As a Systems Engineer you will...
Perform systems level technical analysis, trade studies, and analysis of alternatives
Participate in engineering team meetings and overall technical development efforts
Support the government sponsor in systems engineering activities such as developing requirements, identifying trade studies, developing interface control documents, developing system architectures, and assessing risks
Develop formal communication through systems engineering documents, reports and present results to senior level government sponsors
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a B.S. degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
Have 1+ years of professional experience with DoW systems
Have experience in early concept development, performance analysis, systems integration, or requirements engineering activities for complex systems
Have experience developing and customizing system modeling using UML/SysML and associated software
Have strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills and ability to interact with sponsor representatives
Have experience in system engineering principles and practices
Are willing and able to travel periodically to Government and contractor sites within the continental U.S.
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately 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...
Have a Master's degree in Operations Research/Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Science or related field
Have 5+ years of professional experience with weapons systems
Have direct experience applying aspects of MBSE in support of system development
Have knowledge of DoD Planning, Programming and Budgeting, Acquisition Process/Lifecycle, Research and Development
Have experience in weapon control systems, U.S. Navy surface combatants/submarines, Tomahawk or other strike warfare systems
Have familiarity with software virtualization and computing infrastructure
Have demonstrated ability to interface effectively with government sponsors
Can obtain Top Secret clearance or hold an active Top-Secret clearance or above
#LI-AG1