Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Weapon Systems Analyst

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or related field.
  • Technical or analytical experience in complex projects, system analysis, or operational research.
  • Strong problem-solving and quantitative analysis skills with clear communication abilities.
  • Attributes of curiosity, adaptability, and teamwork with a drive for weapon-system expertise.
  • Eligibility for Interim Secret level clearance and potential for Top Secret level.

Responsibilities

  • Integrate into multidisciplinary teams applying a whole-of-system perspective.
  • Support in-depth system and sub-system analyses, providing data-driven recommendations.
  • Develop understanding of weapon systems and translate that into guidance for warfighter employment.
  • Contribute to requirements and architecture reviews, safeguarding mission performance.
  • Assist in stakeholder engagement to navigate expectations for program leadership.
  • Expand knowledge of weapon systems through training, workshops, and self-study.
  • Apply models and simulations under senior guidance to aid validation processes.

Benefits

  • Mentorship from senior experts in strategic-systems analysis.
  • Opportunities for professional development through workshops and self-directed study.
  • Participation in sponsor-support trips for hands-on engagement.
  • Exposure to complex, multidisciplinary environments.
Full Job Description
Description

The System Definition & Validation Group (KBY) in the Force Projection Sector of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking motivated analysts, engineers, scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and systems engineers to fill the role of Weapon System Analyst. The successful candidate will work on complex, multi-disciplinary problems alongside senior experts, gaining the experience and mentorship needed to become a future leader in strategic-systems analysis.

As a Weapons Systems Analyst for KBY you will...
  • Integrate into multidisciplinary teams that apply a "whole-of-system" perspective and systems-engineering rigor to shape platforms that meet current and future warfighter requirements.
  • Support in-depth analyses at the system and sub-system levels, producing data-driven recommendations that inform design decisions.
  • Develop an understanding of how weapon systems function, are tested, operated, and maintained, and how they fit into broader deterrence concepts; you will translate that knowledge into clear guidance for warfighter employment under senior mentorship.
  • Contribute to requirements and architecture reviews, helping evaluate change impacts and safeguard mission performance while learning the fundamentals of system requirements, interfaces, and capabilities.
  • Assist in stakeholder engagement, helping navigate expectations and relationships so program leadership can better satisfy warfighter needs.
  • Continuously expand knowledge of weapon systems, associated delivery platforms, and the system-level engineering processes that support them through on-the-job training, workshops, and self-directed study.
  • Participate in sponsor-support trips (up to 2-4 per year, each 6le; 1 week) and perform local travel for stakeholder meetings as needed.
  • Apply emerging models, simulations, and early-stage assessment tools under the guidance of senior analysts to help accelerate validation and reduce risk.
  • Provide fresh perspectives and analytical rigor, leveraging your technical background to challenge assumptions and contribute innovative ideas.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics, applied mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
  • Possess relevant technical or analytical experience (e.g., work on complex engineering projects, systems analysis, data-driven modeling, or operational research). Experience does not have to be on weapon systems; strong analytical ability and a demonstrated capacity to learn new domains are essential.
  • Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, quantitative analysis capabilities, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly both in writing and orally.
  • Exhibit the right attributes for growth - curiosity, adaptability, teamwork, and a drive to develop deep weapon-system expertise.
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top Secret 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 exceed our minimum requirements with experience in any of the following...
  • Advanced coursework or graduate-level study (M.S.) in a relevant technical field.
  • Prior exposure to weapon-system concepts (e.g., missiles, bombers, hypersonics, or comparable high-technology platforms) through internships, research projects, or early-career roles.
  • Experience conducting trade-studies, requirements analysis, or system-level modeling in any engineering domain.
  • Familiarity with high-fidelity simulation or model-based systems engineering tools.
  • An active Top-Secret clearance.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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