Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD) is seeking a Research Infrastructure Systems Engineering Lead to apply systems engineering expertise across complex laboratory infrastructure and facility initiatives. The role translates research and operational needs into actionable infrastructure requirements, evaluates technical interfaces and engineering alternatives, and guides integration and operational readiness of specialized facilities supporting research. Working alongside Business, Construction, and Facilities Department (BCFD) project managers, REDD program leaders, and operations staff, the lead serves as REDD's technical representative for research infrastructure throughout the project lifecycle. The position helps ensure infrastructure solutions meet program requirements across multiple facilities and sponsors, from initial planning through operational transition, and supports long-range infrastructure planning and research continuity.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Facilities Management, Project Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 6 years of experience applying systems engineering or related engineering principles to complex technical systems, specialized laboratories, research infrastructure, or multidisciplinary engineering initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in requirements development, technical analysis, interface management, engineering tradeoffs, and integration of multidisciplinary technical systems.
Experience translating research or engineering objectives into technical requirements, facility capabilities, concepts of operations, or operational acceptance criteria.
Experience supporting complex technical or infrastructure initiatives through requirements development, design, integration, commissioning, or operational transition.
Strong technical communication and collaboration skills, including presenting engineering assessments to technical stakeholders and senior leadership.
Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting specialized research infrastructure in a government, defense, national laboratory, or national security environment.
Experience integrating research equipment, automation, instrumentation, manufacturing capabilities, or other technical systems with laboratory facilities.
Experience developing technical trade studies, interface control documentation, requirements traceability, or verification and validation approaches.
Experience evaluating technical cost, schedule, and performance tradeoffs for infrastructure investments.
Master’s degree in systems engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

Apply systems engineering principles to laboratory and research infrastructure initiatives, translating scientific and operational needs into facility requirements, technical specifications, and operational acceptance criteria.
Lead infrastructure requirements development and traceability, coordinating with program managers, chief engineers, and technical leads to align facility designs and capabilities with research system requirements.
Evaluate integration of specialized research equipment, facility systems, utilities, instrumentation, and workflows; identify and resolve technical dependencies and integration challenges.
Develop laboratory concepts of operations (CONOPS), infrastructure interface requirements, and operational readiness criteria for new and evolving research capabilities.
Conduct technical assessments and trade studies of infrastructure alternatives, assessing feasibility, performance, integration risks, operational constraints, cost, schedule, and adaptability.
Review laboratory layouts, facility engineering designs, equipment installation plans, and construction documentation for consistency with research requirements and identify technical gaps.
Define and assess research-side verification, validation, commissioning, and acceptance criteria for integrated infrastructure.
Represent REDD technically and operationally through planning, design, construction, equipment integration, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout, in partnership with BCFD project managers.
Work with BCFD project managers and program and operations teams to assess scope, schedules, budgets, technical risks, and execution milestones, and resolve issues that could affect research capabilities or readiness.
Engage in sponsor-funded program and proposal development to assess facility feasibility, infrastructure dependencies, technical risks, and requirements.
Provide technical assessments and recommendations to REDD leadership, research programs, and sponsors on infrastructure requirements, technical risks, engineering alternatives, and operational readiness.
Support long-range infrastructure planning across program-driven, indirect, and capital initiatives, including laboratory renovations, equipment installations, and operational transitions that minimize disruption to ongoing research.
Perform other duties as assigned.