Senior Digital Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mission Engineering Group of the Force Projection Sector at JHU/APL is seeking a Senior Digital Systems Engineer to help lead the technical vision, architecture, and implementation of mission-centered, model-based capabilities that advance augmented human decision making. The Mission Engineering Group develops enterprise-grade, distributed software and decision-support tools that enable warfighters to harness a wide-ranging set of sensors, weapons, and platforms for precision strike missions critical to our nation’s defense. We emphasize engineering rigor, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the systems engineering lifecycle while promoting a culture of innovation and technical excellence.

Requirements

Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or a related technical field.
Have at least seven years of relevant systems engineering lifecycle experience with complex systems or systems‑of‑systems.
Have at least two years of practical MBSE experience developing mission architectures using UAF, with hands‑on UML/SysML/UAF modeling in tools such as Cameo/MagicDraw, Rhapsody, or Sparx EA, and the ability to link operational needs to system capabilities using the mission engineering process.
Communicate clearly in writing and verbally, and can explain complex technical concepts to wide-ranging audiences.
Are willing and able to work a portion of the time in secure, closed areas and travel occasionally to government sites and contractor facilities (local and non-local).
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level 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.

Nice To Haves

Have a master's or doctorate degree in systems engineering, engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or another related technical field.
Have at least ten years of experience performing systems engineering in the design, development, and/or evaluation of complex systems or systems‑of‑systems.
Have deep digital engineering/MBSE expertise (e.g., broad tooling knowledge, Cameo/MagicDraw API, tool integration, digital ecosystem interoperability, Python/Java for MBSE).
Have led large or multi-team engineering efforts, providing architectural direction and driving adoption of digital engineering and MBSE across organizations.
Have relevant Object Management Group (OMG) or other systems engineering certifications.
Have experience with tool integration, digital connectors, or digital ecosystem interoperability (e.g., connecting MBSE tools with requirements, simulation, test, or configuration management tools).
Have programming experience in Python and/or Java, particularly in support of MBSE, data processing, or tool integration.
Are experienced with DevSecOps toolchains (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, SAST/DAST tools) and can describe advanced digital engineering and development ecosystems.
Bring prior experience in defense, intelligence, or related mission domains, including working with operational users and/or in classified environments.
Have experience leading mission engineering efforts that span all disciplines described in the Mission Engineering Guide.
Hold an active TS/SCI level security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead mission-focused systems and digital engineering efforts by applying systems thinking and mission engineering to translate warfighter needs into mission architectures and system requirements.
Lead the development and promotion of digital models, including Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models (e.g., SysML/UAF), of mission and system architectures for the design and implementation of complex systems and systems‑of‑systems critical to the warfighter.
Design and refine digital engineering workflows, integrations, and reusable model patterns for APL and our sponsors.
Architect and guide implementation of mission‑critical systems with a focus on scalability, resilience, performance, and security.
Ensure rigorous systems and mission engineering practices, including reviews, documentation, model governance, and risk management.
Collaborate with APL teams, government sponsors, warfighters, and industry partners to deliver mission‑relevant solutions.
Engage with senior government, industry, and national laboratory leadership on fast‑paced, high‑visibility defense programs.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers, helping shape engineering culture and best practices.
Document and present your results to project leads, sponsors, and technical workshops, conferences, and pivotal decision makers.