Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer; Systems Design Analysis

Do you love diving deep into multi-physics calculations, exploring design limits, and technical trade space to verify whether an integrated system will perform in a complex operational environment?

Do you love diving deep into multi-physics calculations, exploring design limits, and technical trade space to verify whether an integrated system will perform in a complex operational environment?

Are you searching for technically challenging work that directly bolsters the credibility of our nation's strategic deterrent? Are you passionate about first-principles engineering analysis over routine process management?

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

We are seeking a Multidisciplinary Systems Engineer (Systems Design Analysis focus) to help us ensure the physical realization, operational durability, and technical credibility of strategic weapon systems. Based within the System Realization and Resilience Group in the Force Projection Sector's Strategic Deterrence Mission Area, you will be joining a dedicated team of engineers and scientists addressing complex, multidisciplinary defense challenges. Our team is committed to delivering objective technical insights that influence the physical design and specialty engineering integration of strategic platforms.

We value intellectual candor, technical depth, and collaborative teamwork focused on solving critical engineering problems.

• Your primary responsibility will be to perform first-principles engineering calculations and detailed physical design analyses across integrated mechanical, electrical, thermal, nuclear, or fluid subsystems.
• You will execute quantitative trade studies, sensitivity analyses, and margin evaluations to assess physical system behavior under harsh operational and threat environments.
• You will identify systemic design vulnerabilities and cross-discipline interface conflicts, providing data-driven recommendations to guide system design and hardware realization.
• You will link physical analysis results and design constraints back into the digital engineering baseline, collaborating with systems engineers utilizing Cameo Enterprise Architect / Magic Draw.

• Possess a BS in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related physical engineering discipline.
• Have 2+ years of professional experience performing hands-on engineering design analysis, numerical modeling, or multi-physics calculations on complex physical systems.
• Are skilled in analyzing system engineering technical trade space, interface tolerances, and environmental survivability parameters.
• Have a working knowledge of Systems Engineering methods and practical familiarity with MBSE principles and Cameo Enterprise Architect / Magic Draw.
• Are willing and able to travel periodically (approximately 5-10%), including visits to sponsor sites, test ranges, and contractor facilities.
• Hold an active Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

• Have 5+ years of professional experience performing hands-on engineering design analysis, numerical modeling, or multi-physics calculations on complex physical systems.
• Have an MS in a physical engineering discipline, maintaining an active, hands-on modeling and design analysis focus.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or TS/SCI.
• Have experience with reliability engineering, nuclear surety, or specialty engineering disciplines applied to strategic missiles, reentry systems, or launch platforms.
• Have experience supporting Navy Strategic Systems Programs (such as Trident II D5) or Air Force strategic deterrent programs.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and…