Are you a problem solver ready to contribute to the exploration of space?

Are you passionate about applying software engineering skills to sophisticated and meaningful space systems?

Do you work best in an intellectually stimulating environment?

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

We are seeking a motivated and creative systems engineering team member to help us with the software-related aspects of design, development, and integration of space systems. Our space missions include the robotic exploration of our solar system spanning Sol's corona to Pluto, and beyond. Our spacecraft technologies help our civilian space and national security space sponsors reason about multiple new technologies including space-based networking, machine learning, cyber security, and image recognition. As a member of our team, you will develop novel solutions and new technologies across numerous space missions and embedded real-time systems. You will work with teams of engineers and scientists passionate about innovation and driven to make a real difference. We strive to cultivate an environment that promotes professional growth, a balanced life, and encourage diversity of thought.

As a systems engineer for embedded software...

• Your primary responsibility will be to achieve space mission objectives by defining software requirements, concepts of operations, and architectures as part of a system engineering team and working directly with software subsystem technical leads.
• You will apply systems and software engineering principles to craft, develop, and test spacecraft systems while tailoring the lifecycle approach to the scale of the mission
• You will plan and direct test campaigns to verify and validate that operational software meets mission requirements and expectations
• You will share knowledge by mentoring other APL staff, engaging with spacecraft engineers, and participating in focused working groups

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

• Possess a Master's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field
• Have 7 years of experience planning software development efforts, developing and analyzing requirements, architecting software solutions, and developing and tracking resource plans.
• Are skilled in leading software engineering projects of 10 or more software engineers
• Demonstrate experience delivering and deploying embedded software solutions to operational systems
• Have solid understanding of agile methodology, techniques, and frameworks to deliver software solutions.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and are capable of working either independently or collaboratively on a mission team.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a Secret level security 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.

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

• Have 10 years of experience in full lifecycle embedded software development (requirements development through deployment / operational support) for aerospace systems.
• Have experience in both spacecraft flight and ground software development.
• Have experience in technical management.
• Have worked with aeronautical or spacecraft control systems.
• Have experience with the use of Command-and-Telemetry Ground-Systems / Data-Systems, to include command and telemetry definitions, development of display-screens.
• Experience developing embedded software on multi-core processors.
• Either have or are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance.

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to "touch" the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation's national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. To learn about these APL's mission and projects, and .

Why work at APL?

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 and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at.

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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.