Applied Design Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

2d

About The Position

The Applied Design Engineer will work with interdisciplinary teams to address complex national security challenges, primarily involving maritime applications. The team advances electromagnetic and computer-system capabilities for critical missions, working from initial analysis and concept development through implementation, system integration, testing, and transition. The role combines technical expertise with applied design to understand operational challenges and develop mission-focused solutions.

The engineer collaborates with sponsor stakeholders, engineers, software developers, and operational subject matter experts to understand needs and develop practical concepts, user interactions, and prototypes. Solutions may include software, models, analysis tools, experiments, or technical systems. The role uses stakeholder feedback and simulated, laboratory, and real-world data to evaluate solutions and guide development. It also involves communicating technical findings and recommendations, managing multiple projects, and delivering quality technical products on schedule and within budget, including work in classified environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Factors Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of professional experience applying creative problem-solving skills to develop concepts or solutions that address stakeholder needs.
• Ability to translate complex information and stakeholder needs into actionable ideas and recommendations, supported by examples from previous work or projects.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and project requirements.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, including the ability to work across disciplines and interact with staff and stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience using software tools to develop and communicate ideas, ability to work on Mac and Windows platforms, and willingness to learn new tools.
• Unquestionable integrity and ability to make sound decisions in a collaborative environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel 20%.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret-level security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret-level clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship and a government security clearance investigation.

Nice To Haves

• 5 or more years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience applying Design Thinking, Human-Centered Design, systems thinking, or related approaches to explore stakeholder needs, evaluate alternatives, and develop effective solutions.
• Familiarity with U.S. military programs, government sponsors, or complex technical and operational environments.
• Experience with data visualization, UI/UX, interactive prototyping, or conceptual development.
• Active Secret or higher-level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work with multidisciplinary teams and sponsor stakeholders to understand operational needs, identify challenges, and develop practical approaches.
• Collaborate with engineers, software developers, and operational subject matter experts to develop and evaluate concepts that improve operator understanding, decision-making, and system usability.
• Develop and refine concepts, user interactions, and prototype capabilities for software, models, analysis tools, experiments, or technical systems.
• Use stakeholder feedback and simulated, laboratory, and real-world data to evaluate potential solutions and guide continued development.
• Contribute across the development lifecycle, from initial concept development through implementation, integration, testing, and evaluation.
• Communicate complex ideas, technical findings, and recommendations to sponsors and project teams through appropriate methods and deliverables.
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects while ensuring quality and timely delivery of technical products within established schedules and budgets, including work in classified environments.
• Travel up to 20% and, when not traveling, work with “fly-away” teams on support needs during workshops and design events, sponsor engagements, and technical events.

Benefits

• Robust education assistance program
• Retirement contributions and retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Training and development
• Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary performance payments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level