Systems Engineer (Systems Modeling & Performance Analyst)

Description

Do you love extracting ground truth from complex systems models and noisy empirical data? Are you passionate about applying advanced engineering mathematics, statistics, and leveraging testing and experimentation to solve tough national defense problems?

Do you want to see your analytical work directly inform the development and verification of next-generation strategic systems?

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

We are seeking an Systems Engineer (Systems Modeling & Performance Analyst) to help us evaluate system resilience and verify performance across our nation's strategic deterrence mission. Working within the System Realization and Resilience Group in the Force Projection Sector, you will contribute directly to the Strategic Deterrence Mission Area by validating system-of-systems behavior through rigorous quantitative analysis. You will join an inquisitive, hardworking team that prioritizes analytical truth, experimental validation, and high-fidelity modeling over superficial documentation. We strive to foster an environment where deep mathematical reasoning and disciplined testing ensure our strategic deterrent remains reliable and credible.

As an Systems Engineer (Systems Modeling & Performance Analyst)...

• Your primary responsibility will be to interpret and integrate physics-based and statistical models within a digital engineering framework to analyze complex system behaviors, evaluate design margins, and reduce empirical test data.
• You will analyze designs, as well as corresponding experimental and test data from multiple systems and subsystems. You will interpret the results of testing and design characterization to identify design-based risks, likelihood of performance anomalies, uncertainty, and gaps in theoretical and physics-based model representations.
• You will perform analytical trade studies and sensitivity assessments to evaluate how environmental variations and component degradation affect overall mission success.
• You will interface heavily with digital engineering environments, leveraging Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw to ensure mathematical proofs and verification criteria are mapped to the system architecture.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a BS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, or an engineering discipline with substantial focus on mathematical modeling and experimental data analysis.
• Have 2+ years of relevant experience performing quantitative data analysis, physics-based simulations, statistical evaluations, or test data reduction.
• Are skilled in developing analytical tools, evaluating experimental datasets, and determining statistical confidence intervals for complex systems.
• Have a working knowledge of Systems Engineering verification and validation concepts, along with practical exposure to MBSE tools such as Cameo Enterprise Architect / MagicDraw.
• Are willing and able to travel periodically (approximately 5–10%), including visits to government test ranges, sponsor facilities, and laboratory partner sites.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get 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 5+ years of verified professional experience performing quantitative data analysis, physics-based simulations, statistical evaluations, or test data reduction.
• Have an MS in Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline with demonstrated output in technical modeling, simulation, or physical testing.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or TS/SCI.
• Have prior experience modeling weapon system dynamics, telemetry distributions, or nuclear command and control (NC2) surety mechanisms.
• Have practical experience integrating quantitative mathematical models directly with SysML architectures in Cameo.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually