Demo

Combat Systems Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 4/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/8/2026
Description

Do you want to make critical contributions to how the US Surface Navy fights?

Are you excited to help shape how the world's most advanced military systems are employed?

Do you enjoy the complexity and challenge of integrating and networking sensors and weapons with command-and-control systems?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team!

In the Distributed Tactical Awareness and Decision-Making Group (A3A), we work to solve command and control challenges related to sensor integration, information fusion, and distributed kill chains. We are seeking a diligent systems engineer to integrate and network hypersonic and other weapons with sophisticated sensor systems into existing and in-development combat systems. You will be joining a team passionate about learning, innovating, and enabling the warfighter. You will have the opportunity to build deep domain expertise on the next generation of combat systems for the fleet and make real contributions to deployed systems.

As a Combat Systems Engineer you will:

  • Develop new concepts for anti-air warfare, surface warfare, and precision strike
  • Solve complex systems-of-systems integration challenges for U.S. Navy Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious ships, and unmanned surface vehicles
  • Develop deep expertise on command-and-control systems such as the AEGIS combat system, Ship-Self Defense System (SSDS), and the Zumwalt combat system
  • Conduct analysis of data flows, software logic, and interfaces to develop new capabilities
  • Generate systems engineering products such as performance specifications, requirements, trade study reports, concepts of operation, concepts of employment, and test plans
  • Analyze data from combat system test events and simulation environments to identify, root cause, and propose fixes for issues
  • Prepare for and participate in technical interchange meetings, providing technical insight to contractor, government agency, and research laboratory partners
  • Serve as a technical trusted agent to government sponsors, providing technical recommendations and guidance to acquisition decisions

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

  • Have a B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Math or equivalent field
  • Have at least 5 years of experience in engineering, technical analysis, or systems integration
  • Have experience in AAW, BMD, SuW, or precision strike
  • Are able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
  • Are willing to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed
  • Have the ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance. Applicant selection 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 an M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering or a related technical field
  • Are proficient with SysML/UML and Model-Based Systems Engineering
  • Familiarity with object-oriented programming languages and modern SW architectures
  • Have 10 years or more experience in engineering, technical analysis, or systems integration
  • Experience with Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM), Tomahawk Strike Network (TSN), Mission Planning, or hypersonic weapon systems
  • Expertise in weapons integration, multi-target multi-sensor tracking, or distributed systems architectures/algorithms
  • Expertise with specific combat systems or combat system elements, including the Cooperative Engagement Capability, Ship Self Defense System, Aegis Weapons System, or the Zumwalt TSCE
  • Have an active Top Secret or above security clearance

#LI-KW1


About Us

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 of perspectives 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 athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

 

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