Space Systems Engineer - El Segundo, CA - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Are you passionate about delivering ground-breaking capabilities to protect and defend US space systems?

Do you like contributing to the new space system concepts that break from traditional architectures?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL's Field Office in El Segundo, California.

We are a group of hardworking, dedicated engineers and scientists focused on bringing capabilities to the Space Force. Our team values integrity as a trusted organization above all. We are seeking a Space Systems Engineer to help us make next generation DoD space systems a reality! While supporting the US Space Force and their Space Systems Command (SSC), you will turn payload concepts into reality by guiding activities from concept development through operational acceptance. You will identify novel concepts and capabilities to prototype and demonstrate as the systems mature and become operational. As a member of our team in El Segundo, you'll contribute to multiple efforts supporting SSC, including concept development, modeling and simulation, and testing.

As a Space Systems Engineer your duties will be:

• Providing engineering support that facilitates moving a program through the main phases of the engineering life-cycle: from concept to system deployment.
• Developing reference designs, concepts, and analyses to support system development and sustainment.
• Developing system-level requirements.
• Developing interface requirements.
• Developing concept of operations (conops).
• Developing or supporting the development of system-level or mission-level analyses.
• Ensuring system interface requirements meet operational needs and are implemented properly.
• Developing innovative operational concepts and use cases; evaluating their impact on mission success.
• Identifying and assessing risks and developing mitigations throughout the system lifecycle.

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

• Possess a BS in engineering, science, or related technical field.
• Have 10+ years of experience working with satellite systems, payloads, or ground architectures.
• Are skilled in systems engineering and analysis fundamentals including: writing and reviewing requirements definition; understanding interfaces between hosts and payloads; system test design and execution; and risk identification, tracking, and mitigation.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level 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...

• You have experience in either the MILSATCOM domain, or NC3 (Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications).
• Have experience with satellite mission operations, including launch, in-orbit testing, daily operations, and/or anomaly resolution.
• Are skilled at applying your understanding of the system design process to resolving challenges across the entire acquisition lifecycle.
• Possess at least an MS in engineering, physical science, or a related technical field.
• Have 10+ years of experience working with satellite systems, payloads, or ground control system architectures.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance or a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI).

Base pay will take into account the selected candidate’s knowledge, experience, skill and/or abilities with consideration for internal parity. 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 a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, part-time study and training and development. Base pay range for this role: $90,000 - $220,000.

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.