Job Description

Are you passionate about developing resilient and robust nuclear command and communications concepts into effective solutions to defend our nation against global threats?

Are you eager to seek and build operational solutions for National Defense challenges using innovative technologies?

Are you searching for an opportunity to influence the design of future cutting-edge systems that increase the effectiveness of warfighter decision making? 

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) in Omaha, Nebraska!

JHUAPL is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide leadership and direction to new, national-priority systems development efforts in the strategic defense domain. In addition, you will:

• Provide leadership to various teams working across the engineering life-cycle from concept development, requirements analysis and test evaluation.
• Participate as a member of the Government team to ensure the developed systems meet user needs while mitigating program risks.
• Provide on-site government support to ensure technical direction is developed and maintained.
• Identify and conduct analysis required to influence system design and assess system performance.

The Nuclear Command Communications Systems Group (QKR) is a diverse group of talented RF communications, systems, and software engineers, systems analysts, data analysts, mathematicians, physicists and technical leaders. We apply innovative solutions to real-world defense system problems and analytical proficiencies to assess Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) system performance, collect and characterize real-world performance of NC3 assets, and develop, execute, and evaluate stressing system scenarios through robust and sophisticated modeling and simulation capability.

We are seeking highly motivated and dedicated engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and analysts to apply acquired skills and knowledge, learn new techniques and processes, and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team responsible for solving complex problems that are crucial to the defense of our nation. 

As a Systems Engineer on our team, you may be...

• Researching solutions for secure, resilient strategic communications to support crucial missions of national security.
• Designing, developing, and testing software for our modeling and simulation ecosystem including user interfaces, physics-based simulation engine, data access layer, evaluation tools and more. 
• Developing software to streamline and automate our analysis processes including using modern optical character recognition and data science techniques.
• Evaluating operational scenarios through modeling and simulation, analysis, and laboratory testing.
• Participating in field testing activities, collecting and post-processing data, analyzing results and presenting findings to sponsors.
• Performing performance evaluations on communications hardware for strategic assets such as bombers, submarines, and launch control facilities.

We strive to cultivate an environment of collaboration, innovation and application, and value bold ideas, open discussion, and diversity of thought…and we would love to have you on our team!

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or another related technical degree.
• Have at least ten years of relevant experience in a technical position, working on systems/software engineering, system definition, design, and development, system architecture, and/or test and evaluation.
• Have demonstrated experience in system/software engineering methodologies principles, and concepts to solve systems related challenges.
• Have working knowledge of algorithm development and or analysis using scientific programming language such as MATLAB, C++, Java, or Python.
• Have the ability to proactively identify and develop solutions to address sponsor critical technical challenges and meet program milestones.
• Are able to work in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, and are able to work independently, work as a team player, and work closely with sponsors.
• Are comfortable and effective in communicating on technical topics at all levels-to include peers, executive level management, and senior government leaders.
• Have the willingness to travel under 10% of the time as needed to our APL Main Campus location in Laurel, MD.
• Are able to obtain a TS/SCI 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.

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

• Have a Master's degree or PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or another related technical degree.
• Have at least fifteen years of relevant experience in a technical position, with experience leading a team of engineers and/or scientists, with demonstrated results.
• 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.
• Have experience with DoD or IC organizations such as: STRATCOM, Air Force, Army, Navy, NRO, Space Force, DNI, and others.
• Have extensive experience working on highly classified programs.
• Hold an active US Top Secret/SCI Security clearance.

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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