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Job Title


Space Kill Chain Engineer


Company : Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)


Location : Laurel, MD


Created : 2024-10-19


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

DescriptionAre you motivated to apply your systems engineering skills to inform the future of our nation's architecture to secure our interests in, from, and going to space? Do you enjoy finding innovative solutions to complex problems? Are you an "end-to-end systems thinker" with kill chain execution, analysis, design, and/or test/evaluation experience who is ready to address the challenges facing the Space Force? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! We are seeking a logical and detailed technical thinker to demonstrate their systems and systems of systems perspective to support multi-disciplinary teams. The domain involves engineering of a sequence of asset functions to efficiently and effectively employ effects against enemy threats.  Some of the friendly assets are in space and the enemy threats may be as well, depending on the specific kill chain. This role requires communication and coordination between systems to track, identify, and defeat threatening objects. You will be joining our diverse team of hardworking engineers, software developers, data scientists, and analysts committed to advancing the state of the art in space-based defense capabilities. We believe in building diverse teams, continually growing our capabilities, and cultivating a work environment that embraces innovation, integrity, trust, and collaboration. As a member of our team you will...Work with a team to conceive novel and effective threat kill chains utilizing space-based systems to meet the needs of the warfighter and intelligence communitiesDefine and maintain the traceability between enterprise-level needs and the systems being developed to me themUse innovative systems engineering and simulation tools to understand system requirements and performanceAuthor system functional and performance requirementsDesign and refine interface messages between federated systemsWork through all phases of the project lifecycle to ensure fielded systems meet the needs of the warfighterBe responsible for software implementation of proof-of-concept prototypes incorporating several engineering fields. QualificationsYou meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Have a Bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, statistics, or other engineering or related discipline.Have 10+ years of professional experience in the systems engineering of kill chains, weapons systems, or C2 systems.Have demonstrated experience deriving top level requirements for a system and decomposing them down to the lower levels.Possess strong analytical, verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.Have experience with higher level programming languages (e.g. Python, C++, Java, or MATLAB)Have participated on teams implementing MBSE techniques and practices on programs and effectively communicate technical results to the team, leadership, and government sponsorsAre a big-picture thinker, capable of tracing data flows and operations paths through a complicated, multi-organizational architectureAbility to travel up to 10% as neededHold an active Top 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have any of the following...Have an analytical understanding of multiple kill chains involving distributed assets where the target and/or assets are in spaceActive duty military experience related to Planning, C2, Battle Management, Fires, or Intel A Master's Degree or higher in engineering or related technical field Experience in a formal technical leadership role, leading a technical team, building modeling and simulation systems and models to assess space based systems and space communication systemsDemonstrated experience performing test and evaluation of military or intelligence systemsExperience with systems-of-systems physics & effects-based simulation tools (AFSIM, NGTS, etc)Systems architecting experience with UML/SysML modeling tools using associated modeling software, such as Cameo, Rhapsody, or SPARX EA.Experience with modeling frameworks such as the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) or Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) 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 About UsAPL 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 . 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. 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 part-time salaried employees, 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, part-time study and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate$90,000 Annually Maximum Rate$330,000 Annually