Senior Systems Design Engineer / Analyst

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Senior Systems Design Analyst to join the System Realization and Resilience Group in the Force Projection Sector. This group provides the engineering design and analysis foundation for Navy and Air Force strategic deterrence programs, translating complex physics into actionable insights for decision-makers. The role involves shaping weapon-system architectures using digital-engineering tools, leading technical studies, advising on design direction and risk mitigation, integrating the digital thread with MBSE expertise, communicating complex analyses to stakeholders, and navigating complex stakeholder networks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a hard-science engineering discipline (materials, mechanical, electrical/electronic, aerospace, chemical, petroleum, civil, etc.) or a comparable technical field.
10 + years of progressive engineering design/analysis experience, with 5+ years in a senior or lead capacity, focusing on tangible systems realization.
Proven experience using Cameo/MagicDraw (or similar MBSE tools) in a hands-on capacity.
Demonstrated ability to develop or extend physics-based, logistic, or statistical models for complex or system-level analysis.
Active Secret clearance at start date and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance within six months.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a government security clearance investigation.
Significant Multi-disciplinary design depth – A proven record of leading design efforts that span at least three distinct “hard-science” engineering domains (e.g., mechanical, electrical/electronic, aerospace, nuclear, materials, chemical, petroleum, civil, etc.).
Demonstrated Analytical rigor – Extensive experience developing or enhancing physics-based, logistics-based, or statistical models and simulations for complex systems.
Solid Systems-engineering literacy – Familiarity with formal SE processes, standards, and lifecycle methods.
Minimal MBSE competency – Comfortable using Cameo (or equivalent MBSE tool) to create SysML/DoDAF models, conduct trade studies, and manage requirements.
Communication prowess – Exceptional written and oral skills, with a proven ability to convey sophisticated technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Leadership in collaborative settings – Demonstrated ability to guide multi-disciplinary teams, mentor junior engineers, and influence senior stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in systems engineering or a related hard-science discipline.
Direct experience with missile, ICBM, or other strategic weapons programs.
Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, Pre‑Milestone A activities, or program‑level concept development.
Significant expertise in additional MBSE tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, etc.)

Responsibilities

Shape weapon-system architectures using digital-engineering tools (Cameo/MagicDraw, physics-based models, logistics and simulation) to evaluate current and future weapon concepts, assess performance, and construct resilient, modular designs that meet stringent deterrence requirements.
Lead, coordinate, and present rigorous engineering analyses (structural, thermal, electromagnetic, reliability, logistics, etc.) that feed directly into sponsor reviews and program baselines.
Advise as a Trusted Technical-Direction Agent, influencing design direction, risk mitigation, and test-evaluation plans.
Apply hands-on MBSE expertise to embed analysis results in a unified SysML/DoDAF model, ensuring traceability from high-level requirements through test data.
Deliver concise briefings and technically robust reports to senior sponsors and contractors, translating complex analyses into clear, decision-ready recommendations.
Operate effectively across a matrix of peer, partner, and sponsor relationships, influencing outcomes without formal authority.