Job Description

Are you passionate about space?

Are you looking for meaningful work in spacecraft power systems?

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

We are seeking a Power System Engineer to help us develop flight power systems and hardware. You will contribute to missions like Dragonfly (https://dragonfly.jhuapl.edu/) and IMAP (https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/destinations/missions/imap).  You will join a hardworking team of engineers that conceive, develop, test, launch and fly spacecraft power components and systems.  We strive to foster an environment of collaboration, mentoring, diversity and acceptance.

As a Spacecraft Power System Engineer…

• You will lead APL power systems development for one or more space flight missions.
• You will lead a development team of 10-20 multidisciplinary engineers.
• You will perform conceptual design studies and help develop mission proposals.
• You will develop subsystem and hardware component requirements, develop test plans and perform requirements verification.
• You will estimate battery capacities, solar array sizes, and predict system performance.
• You will lead power system integration and test onto spacecraft, and support launch and flight operations.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Have 7-15 years of experience developing spacecraft power systems.
• Have held team leadership positions
• Are familiar with common spacecraft power system topologies.
• Are skilled in solar array and battery performance prediction, sizing, and system energy balance.
• Are able to support in occasional overnight travel.
• The ability to obtain a Top 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.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

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

• Hold a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Have experience designing primary power regulation or distribution hardware.
• Have experience with primary battery technologies.
• Have experience in leading multidisciplinary electronics development teams.
• Have experience with alternative spacecraft power sources such as nuclear sources.
• Hold a TS/SCI Security Clearance.

Spacecraft Power Engineering Group (SEP) Mission Statement

SEP’s mission is to design, test, and deliver reliable spacecraft power systems for APL’s space sector and broader space community that enable the tools to expand our knowledge of the universe. Our diverse team aims to create an accountable and collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to seek out critical challenges, to make discoveries, and to develop advancements in power electronics.

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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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.

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