Senior Reentry Systems Engineer

Description

Are you an experienced aerospace engineer with a background in strategic reentry systems and advanced vehicle development?

Do you enjoy working across complex technical programs, collaborating with government sponsors, and helping shape the development of next-generation capabilities that support our Nation's strategic deterrent?

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

We are seeking a Senior Reentry Systems Engineer to help guide and coordinate multiple advanced reentry system development efforts supporting Air Force and Navy sponsors. In this role, you will work across a broad portfolio of programs focused on future reentry capabilities, advanced vehicle concepts, and enabling technologies. You will help connect sponsor priorities with technical execution, identify opportunities for collaboration, and ensure our engineering efforts deliver meaningful impact to critical national security missions.

As a member of our team, you will work closely with program managers, technical teams, government sponsors, and industry partners to help shape program strategies, assess development progress, and address complex technical and programmatic challenges. You will bring a broad understanding of strategic weapon systems and government acquisition and development processes to help guide decisions, coordinate activities across organizations, and advance next-generation capabilities.

As a Senior Reentry Systems Engineer, you will…

• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of multiple advanced reentry system development efforts spanning Air Force and Navy programs.
• Work closely with government sponsors to understand mission needs, identify capability gaps, and translate sponsor priorities into actionable technical objectives and development activities.
• Provide technical and programmatic insight to help guide development strategies, assess progress, identify risks, and ensure project activities deliver meaningful outcomes for government sponsors.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to evaluate advanced reentry vehicle concepts, subsystem technologies, development approaches, and opportunities for technology maturation.
• Facilitate coordination and collaboration across APL programs, government organizations, national laboratories, and industry partners to align technical efforts and identify opportunities for shared investment and development.
• Support the development of program plans, technical roadmaps, requirements, milestones, and strategies for transitioning emerging technologies into future capabilities.
• Participate in technical reviews, program assessments, and sponsor engagements to evaluate development progress, resolve challenges, and inform future program decisions.
• Help identify and develop new opportunities to address emerging sponsor needs, expand technical contributions, and strengthen relationships across the strategic deterrence community.
• Prepare and present technical and programmatic findings, recommendations, and development strategies to government sponsors, program leadership, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

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

• Have a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant technical discipline and at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.
• Have demonstrated subject matter expertise with strategic reentry systems, ballistic missile systems, advanced aerospace vehicles, or related defense technologies.
• Have experience with Navy or Air Force nuclear reentry systems, including ICBM or SLBM weapon systems, and the development of advanced reentry vehicle concepts or enabling technologies.
• Have experience working with organizations such as Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), or Department of Energy national laboratories.
• Have a broad understanding of complex aerospace system development, including requirements definition, engineering trade studies, technology maturation, integration, and testing.
• Have experience supporting or managing government-sponsored technical programs, including planning, coordinating multidisciplinary activities, assessing progress, and addressing technical and programmatic risks.
• Have professional experience working within a civilian government organization, with an understanding of government program management, acquisition processes, and sponsor decision-making.
• Have demonstrated success collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and external organizations to address technical challenges and achieve program objectives.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical information into actionable recommendations for government sponsors and program leadership.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and be able to ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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 an M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or another relevant technical field.
• Have 12–15 years of relevant experience, including significant involvement in strategic weapon system development, government program management, or advanced aerospace technology programs.
• Have served in a civilian government program or project management role, with responsibility for technical execution, program planning, acquisition strategy, or coordination of government and contractor activities.
• Have demonstrated experience coordinating activities across multiple government organizations, technical programs, or industry partners to align development priorities and achieve shared objectives.
• Have experience influencing government sponsor decisions, shaping program strategies, or identifying and advancing new technology development opportunities.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

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 https://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 [email protected].

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