Senior Ocean Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Ocean Engineer to serve as a senior engineer and lead across our maritime portfolio. This position is intended for an engineer who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision—someone who can recognize emerging operational needs, formulate innovative technical approaches, build enduring internal and external relationships, and help shape the long-term investments in maritime advancements. Working across multiple programs and technical organizations, you will help define technical priorities, guide complex engineering efforts, mentor technical staff, and translate operational challenges into impactful research and development programs that deliver capability to the Fleet.

Requirements

Possess a bachelor's degree in an engineering field or equivalent demonstrated experience in engineering, systems thinking, or analytical approaches to solve complex maritime security and technical challenges.
Have 10+ years of relevant experience leading complex engineering, systems integration, research and development, acquisition, or operational initiatives involving maritime, naval, undersea, or autonomous systems.
Demonstrate success establishing technical vision, integrating multidisciplinary teams, and delivering innovative solutions to complex sponsor challenges.
Have experience developing technical strategy and engaging senior government sponsors to shape research, technology, or capability investments.
Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior technical, military, and executive leadership.
Demonstrate the ability to identify emerging mission needs and translate them into executable technical programs.
Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get 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.

Nice To Haves

Hold an M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline.
Have experience as a Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Principal Investigator, Program Manager, or comparable senior technical leader.
Have successfully transitioned advanced technologies into operational Navy or DoD capabilities.
Have established relationships with ONR, NAVSEA, DARPA, NAVWAR, PEOs, or other defense sponsors.
Have demonstrated success growing technical portfolios, creating new research initiatives, and shaping long-term investment strategies.
Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Shape the technical direction of our ocean systems portfolio by identifying emerging mission needs and developing long-term technology strategies.
Provide technical leadership across multiple maritime and undersea warfare initiatives spanning autonomous systems, sensing, communications, payload integration, and mission systems.
Build trusted relationships while identifying opportunities for new technical collaborations and research initiatives.
Guide multidisciplinary teams from concept development through prototype demonstration and technology transition.
Develop technical roadmaps, white papers, strategic proposals, and sponsor briefings aimed at sustained impact and growth.
Identify opportunities to integrate expertise across APL Mission Areas to solve complex operational challenges.
Mentor engineers and scientists while fostering technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.