Lead Systems Realization Engineer
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Lead Systems Realization Engineer
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research
Do you thrive at the intersection of deep, first-principles engineering analysis and authoritative system architecture?
Are you looking to apply your technical mastery to nationally vital strategic deterrence programs where the analytical bar must be absolute?
Do you want to operate as an authoritative technical leader who bridges physical reality with the digital engineering thread?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Lead Systems Realization Engineer to help us drive the physical credibility and architectural resilience of strategic weapon systems. Based within the System Realization and Resilience Group, you will operate as a core technical anchor for our mission area, integrating specialty engineering, multi-physics analysis, and digital engineering across complex system-of-systems. You will join an accomplished team of engineers and scientists dedicated to solving high-consequence defense challenges where rigorous analytical proof takes precedence over administrative process. We value technical candor, collaborative leadership, and the rare ability to marry deep physical calculations with disciplined Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
As a Lead Systems Realization Engineer Engineer, you will...
Shape Strategic Architectures: Interrogate and architect advanced weapon concepts using integrated digital engineering frameworks, coupling structural, thermal, flight-dynamics, and reliability analyses directly into Cameo/MagicDraw to ensure designs survive severe operational and threat environments.
Lead First-Principles Technical Studies: Drive, execute, and defend multidisciplinary engineering analyses (e.g., structural-thermal, electromagnetic, nuclear surety, logistics, and statistical margin assessments) that establish the authoritative technical baseline for program sponsors.
Serve as a Trusted Technical-Direction Agent: Establish the technical standard for system design, risk mitigation, and verification regimes. While programs hold acquisition authority, you will set the engineering benchmark—providing the definitive analyses and trade studies against which deviations must be technically justified.
Anchor the Digital Thread: Apply hands-on SysML/MBSE expertise to embed quantitative analysis results, parametric constraints, and performance budgets into a unified digital baseline, ensuring unbroken mathematical traceability from high-level operational requirements through test data reduction.
Communicate with Technical Authority: Deliver high-density briefings and decision-ready technical reports to senior military sponsors, national laboratory partners, and prime contractors, articulating nuanced physical phenomena and trade-offs with absolute clarity.
Navigate Complex Technical Ecosystems: Guide and influence multidisciplinary teams across government, industry, and academia without relying on formal authority, establishing consensus through demonstrated analytical rigor and technical integrity.
Our Core Expectations
Multidisciplinary Design Depth: A proven record of leading technical design and analysis efforts across multiple distinct "hard-science" engineering domains (e.g., mechanical, electrical, aerospace, nuclear, chemical, materials).
Quantitative & Analytical Rigor: Extensive expertise developing, modifying, or coupling high-fidelity physics-based, logistics-based, or statistical models and simulations to characterize system behavior from first principles.
Authentic MBSE Fluency: Active, hands-on proficiency in Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw, treating SysML models as living, analytical architectures capable of running trade studies, enforcing parametric constraints, and governing system realization.
Comprehensive Systems Engineering Mastery: Deep command of the entire systems engineering lifecycle, translating complex sponsor missions into verified, verifiable physical solutions.
Collaborative Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor the next generation of analysts, challenge technical assumptions productively, and guide technical specialists toward cohesive engineering realization.
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Possess a Bachelor of Science in a foundational engineering discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical/Electronic, Nuclear, Chemical, Materials) or applied physical science.
Have 10+ years of relevant quantitative engineering design and analysis experience, including 5+ years in a senior or lead technical capacity with a demonstrable focus on the realization of complex, physical systems.
Possess hands-on, direct experience authoring and maintaining system architecture products within Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw using SysML.
Have a verified history of developing, running, or extending physics-based, logistics, or statistical models for system-level quantitative performance evaluations.
Are willing and able to travel periodically (up to 10%), primarily to sponsor offices in Northern Virginia, test facilities in Utah, and partner military or contractor installations.
Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get a TS/SCI w.poly 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...
Hold an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in an engineering discipline, applied physics, or a technically rigorous systems engineering curriculum that preserved direct modeling/simulation execution.
Have direct experience with strategic deterrent platforms, strategic missiles, reentry systems, hypersonics, or nuclear command and control (NC2) architectures.
Have familiarity with early-phase DoD acquisition processes, including concept development, Pre-Milestone A trade studies, and program protection planning.
Have experience establishing co-simulation workflows that directly integrate external analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, finite-element or computational fluid dynamics solvers, Python-based statistical suites) into Cameo SysML models.
Hold an active Top Secret clearance or active TS/SCI with polygraph.
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.
Not-for-profit UARC delivering national security research
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges through technical expertise, prototyping, research and development, and analysis. It uses engineering, simulations, and studies to design prototypes and deliver analyses that support government and partner organizations. Unlike many commercial firms, APL operates as a non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins and focuses on mission-oriented research rather than selling finished products. Its goal is to provide practical, thoroughly tested solutions to public-sector customers by performing research, developing prototypes, and offering expert analysis.
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