Space Systems Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in El Segundo, CA

Position Description

Do you have a passion for space system engineering? Are you interested in helping the US Space Force define their future space systems and ensure they deliver the needed capability? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

As a Space Systems Engineer, your role will be to work closely with Government sponsors to define system architectures to meet sponsor needs, develop system CONOPS, work with stakeholders to define system requirements, assess technical performance and risk, and assist sponsors to ensure user needs are met and contractors are meeting requirements and deliverables. You will act as a Technical Advisor Agent to sponsors in program reviews and assessments as well as in architecture and program development, both internal and external.

In addition, you will:

• Provide independent review and assessment of program performance, assessing risks and recommending mitigations to ensure user needs are met.
• Apply systems engineering processes to define and translate concepts and identify architecture technical requirements. Participate in collaborative efforts to architect future space systems and their associated ground segments. Develop requirements and CONOPS to support system design, development, prototyping, demonstration, and testing efforts. Work as part of a Government team analyze system performance vs. requirements and user needs.
• Interact closely with multiple stakeholders and system engineers to arrive at a consensus on the future US Space Force ground segment architecture. Present analysis, propose technical solutions, model and measure performance, and validate results.
• Review architectures and perform vulnerability assessments of key elements of space systems.
• Identify and coordinate technical work performed for sponsor by other staff at JHU/APL Laurel location.
• Participate as a member of the team to evaluate contractors' proposals for system, and then provide contractor oversight to ensure the developed systems meet user needs while mitigating program risks. Periodically brief JHU/APL management and sponsors on implementation and progress.

Qualifications:

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

• A BS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, System Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science related disciplines.
• 5+ years of experience in system engineering or architecture analysis and development
• Demonstrated understanding of system and architecture development and understanding of space systems.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience system engineering methodologies, principles, and concepts to solve systems related challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment that includes working with changing needs and requirements.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, be able to work independently, work as a team player, and work closely with sponsors.
• Demonstrated outstanding written and oral communication skills and good organizational skills.
• The ability to travel occasionally.
• Are able to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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...
• An MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, System Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science related disciplines.
• 7+ years of experience in system engineering or architecture analysis and development.
• Experience with current Department of Defense satellite ground segments, DoDAF, DoD 5000, and space system mission assurance.
• An active TS/SCI 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 requirement includes U.S. citizenship.