Senior Systems Design Engineer​/Analyst

Do you thrive when a single analysis can shift the balance of national security?

Are you a “systems thinker” with deep, hands‑on experience designing and analyzing tangible, high‑impact defense assets?

If you’re eager to work side‑by‑side with elite technical specialists in a collaborative, sponsor‑focused environment, APL wants you on our team.

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are hiring a Senior Systems Design Analyst for the System Realization and Resilience Group in the Force Projection Sector. Our group delivers the engineering design and analysis backbone for Navy and Air Force strategic deterrence programs, turning complex physics into actionable insight for decision‑makers.

As a Senior Systems Design Engineer...

• Shape weapon‑system architectures – Using digital‑engineering tools (Cameo/Magic Draw, physics‑based models, logistics and simulation) you will evaluate current and future weapon concepts, assess performance, and construct resilient, modular designs that meet stringent deterrence requirements.
• Lead technical studies – You will drive, 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 – Your recommendations will influence design direction, risk mitigation, and test‑evaluation plans. While you will not own the final decision, you will set the technical bar; any deviation will require a “show‑cause” justification.
• Integrate the digital thread – Apply hands‑on MBSE expertise to embed analysis results in a unified SysML/DoDAF model, ensuring traceability from high‑level requirements through test data.
• Communicate with impact – Deliver concise briefings and technically robust reports to senior sponsors and contractors, translating complex analyses into clear, decision‑ready recommendations.
• Navigate complex stakeholder networks – Operate effectively across a matrix of peer, partner, and sponsor relationships, influencing outcomes without formal authority.

Core Expectations

• 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. You need hands‑on experience to start, and a willingness to deepen your competence; mastery will be built on the job.
• 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.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• 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, 5+ years in a senior or lead capacity, with a clear focus on tangible systems realization.
• Proven experience using Cameo/Magic Draw (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.

You'll go beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in…