Senior Reentry Systems Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Senior Reentry Systems Engineer helps guide and coordinate multiple advanced reentry system development efforts supporting Air Force and Navy sponsors. The role spans programs focused on future reentry capabilities, advanced vehicle concepts, and enabling technologies, connecting sponsor priorities with technical execution and supporting critical national security missions. The engineer works with program managers, technical teams, government sponsors, and industry partners to shape program strategies, assess development progress, coordinate activities across organizations, and address technical and programmatic challenges. The position requires a broad understanding of strategic weapon systems and government acquisition and development processes. It also supports program planning, technical roadmaps, requirements, milestones, technology transition, technical reviews, sponsor engagements, and the identification of new opportunities to address emerging sponsor needs. APL offers a welcoming work environment, education assistance, retirement contributions, and work/life balance. Its campus is in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Compensation is listed at $105,000–$290,000 annually, with actual compensation dependent on factors including location, experience, education, and skills.

Requirements

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant technical discipline, and at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
Subject matter expertise in strategic reentry systems, ballistic missile systems, advanced aerospace vehicles, or related defense technologies.
Experience with Navy or Air Force nuclear reentry systems, including ICBM or SLBM weapon systems, and development of advanced reentry vehicle concepts or enabling technologies.
Experience working with organizations such as Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), or Department of Energy national laboratories.
Broad understanding of complex aerospace system development, including requirements definition, engineering trade studies, technology maturation, integration, and testing.
Experience supporting or managing government-sponsored technical programs, including planning, coordinating multidisciplinary activities, assessing progress, and addressing technical and programmatic risks.
Professional experience working within a civilian government organization and understanding of government program management, acquisition processes, and sponsor decision-making.
Demonstrated success collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and external organizations to address technical challenges and achieve program objectives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information into actionable recommendations for government sponsors and program leadership.
Active Secret security clearance and ability to ultimately obtain a TS/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship and eligibility for access to classified information are required.

Nice To Haves

M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant technical field.
12–15 years of relevant experience, including significant involvement in strategic weapon system development, government program management, or advanced aerospace technology programs.
Experience in a civilian government program or project management role with responsibility for technical execution, program planning, acquisition strategy, or coordination of government and contractor activities.
Demonstrated experience coordinating across multiple government organizations, technical programs, or industry partners to align development priorities and achieve shared objectives.
Experience influencing government sponsor decisions, shaping program strategies, or identifying and advancing new technology development opportunities.
Active Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Support planning, coordination, and execution of multiple advanced reentry system development efforts across Air Force and Navy programs.
Work with government sponsors to understand mission needs, identify capability gaps, and translate priorities into technical objectives and development activities.
Provide technical and programmatic insight to guide development strategies, assess progress, identify risks, and support meaningful outcomes for government sponsors.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to evaluate advanced reentry vehicle concepts, subsystem technologies, development approaches, and technology maturation opportunities.
Coordinate and foster collaboration across APL programs, government organizations, national laboratories, and industry partners.
Support development of program plans, technical roadmaps, requirements, milestones, and strategies for transitioning emerging technologies into future capabilities.
Participate in technical reviews, program assessments, and sponsor engagements to evaluate progress, resolve challenges, and inform program decisions.
Identify and develop opportunities to address emerging sponsor needs, expand technical contributions, and strengthen relationships across the strategic deterrence community.
Prepare and present technical and programmatic findings, recommendations, and development strategies to government sponsors, program leadership, and other stakeholders.