Senior Systems Engineer

Company: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: El Segundo
Posted on: March 2, 2026

Job Description:

Description Are you a leader with expertise in systems engineering and development for defense? Do you want to help ensure our Nation’s preeminence in the 21 st century with safe, assured access to space? Do you like working with and improving complex systems? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL's Los Angeles Field Office in El Segundo, California. We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide leadership and direction to a new, national-priority systems development program in the Space Control domain. APL, in partnership with the Government program office, is developing the test and evaluation (T&E) strategy, guiding T&E efforts, and performing mission engineering and performance analysis to ensure delivery of this critical space control mission capability. The candidate will need to have demonstrated experience working with Government and Military leadership, presenting complex analysis, and ability to coordinate across a geographically dispersed team to deliver exceptional results. As a Senior Systems Engineer you will Provide on-site government support to ensure technical direction is developed and maintained. Participate as a member of the Government team to ensure the developed systems meet user needs while mitigating program risks. Provide leadership to various teams working across the engineering life-cycle from to ensure T&E goals and breakthroughs are met. Identify and conduct analysis required to influence system design and assess system performance. This role is located in the sponsor facilities in El Segundo, CA . Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you Have a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, System Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field. Have 5 years of experience in technical positions working on system engineering, system definition, design, and development, system architecture, system integration, and/or T&E. Proven experience in T&E methodologies, principles, and concepts. Have working knowledge of algorithm development and or analysis using scientific programming languages such as MATLAB, C++, Java, or Python. Proven ability to proactively identify and develop solutions to address critical technical challenges and meet program milestones. Proven ability to work in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements. Proven ability to work independently and accomplish impactful results with minimal formal direction. Proven excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work closely and collaboratively with teammates and sponsors in a geographically dispersed team. Are comfortable and effective in communicating technical topics at all levels, to include peers, executive level management, and senior government leaders. Possess an active 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. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you Have a MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, System Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Have 10 years of experience in technical positions, with experience leading a team of engineers and/or scientists, with demonstrated results. Have extensive experience in T&E for defense systems. Have experience with DoD or IC organizations such as: Air Force, Army, Navy, NRO, Space Force, DNI, and others. Have extensive experience working highly classified programs. 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 at http://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 contact Accommodations@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 $105,000 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually

Keywords: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory , Norwalk , Senior Systems Engineer, Engineering , El Segundo, California