Combat Systems Engineer

Salary: $91000 - 223000 per year Requirements: Bachelors degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field Minimum of 5 years experience in engineering, technical analysis, or systems integration Experience in Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Surface Warfare (SuW), or precision strike Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed Ability to obtain a Secret Security Clearance; U.S. Citizenship required. Preferred: Masters or Ph.D. in Engineering or a related technical discipline Preferred: Proficient in SysML/UML and Model-Based Systems Engineering Preferred: Familiarity with object-oriented programming and modern software architectures Preferred: 10+ years experience in engineering, technical analysis, or systems integration Preferred: Experience with Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM), Tomahawk Strike Network (TSN), strategic planning, or hypersonic weapon systems Preferred: Expertise in weapons integration, multi-target multi-sensor tracking, or distributed systems architectures/algorithms Preferred: Expertise in specific combat systems or related elements, e.g., Cooperative Engagement Capability, Ship Self Defense System, Aegis Weapons System, or Zumwalt TSCE Preferred: Active Top Secret clearance or higher Responsibilities: Create innovative concepts for anti-air warfare, surface warfare, and precision strike capabilities Address complex integration challenges across systems for U.S. Navy Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, Amphibious ships, and unmanned surface vessels Cultivate expertise in command-and-control systems, including AEGIS, Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), and the Zumwalt combat system Analyze data flows, software logic, and system interfaces to develop new capabilities Produce engineering documents such as performance specifications, requirements, trade-off studies, operational concepts, operational employment concepts, and testing plans Evaluate data from testing events and simulation scenarios to diagnose and resolve issues Prepare for and engage in technical interchange meetings, offering insights to contractors, government agencies, and research labs Act as a trusted technical liaison to government sponsors, providing recommendations and guidance on acquisition decisions Technologies: Network Security UML HTTP LESS More: At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we tackle the nations most pressing challenges in defense, security, space, and science. Our environment fosters a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can thrive, grow, and collaborate with inspiring colleagues. We take pride in our diverse perspectives and encourage creativity and innovation. Our employees enjoy a range of generous benefits, including an excellent education assistance program, substantial retirement contributions, and a strong work/life balance. Our campus is strategically located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. last updated 28 week of 2026