Systems Engineer for Embedded Software

Are you a problem solver ready to contribute to the exploration of space?

Are you passionate about applying software engineering skills to sophisticated and meaningful space systems?

Do you work best in an intellectually stimulating environment?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a motivated and creative systems engineering team member to help us with the software-related aspects of design, development, and integration of space systems. Our space missions include the robotic exploration of our solar system spanning Sol’s corona to Pluto, and beyond. Our spacecraft technologies help our civilian space and national security space sponsors reason about multiple new technologies including space-based networking, machine learning, cyber security, and image recognition. As a member of our team, you will develop novel solutions and new technologies across numerous space missions and embedded real-time systems. You will work with teams of engineers and scientists passionate about innovation and driven to make a real difference.

As a systems engineer for embedded software…

• Your primary responsibility will be to achieve space mission objectives by defining software requirements, concepts of operations, and architectures as part of a system engineering team and working directly with software subsystem technical leads.
• You will apply systems and software engineering principles to craft, develop, and test spacecraft systems while tailoring the lifecycle approach to the scale of the mission
• You will plan and direct test campaigns to verify and validate that operational software meets mission requirements and expectations
• You will share knowledge by mentoring other APL staff, engaging with spacecraft engineers, and participating in focused working groups

• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience planning software development efforts, developing and analyzing requirements, architecting software solutions, and developing and tracking resource plans.
• Are skilled in leading software engineering projects of 10 or more software engineers.
• Demonstrate experience delivering and deploying embedded software solutions to operational systems.
• Have solid understanding of agile methodology, techniques, and frameworks to deliver software solutions.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and are capable of working either independently or collaboratively on a mission team.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level 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 requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Possess a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field
• Have 15+ years of experience in full lifecycle embedded software development (requirements development through deployment / operational support) for aerospace systems.
• Have experience in both spacecraft flight and ground software development.
• Have experience in technical management.
• Have worked with aeronautical or spacecraft control systems.
• Have experience with the use of Command-and-Telemetry Ground-Systems / Data-Systems, to include command and telemetry definitions, development of display-screens.
• Experience developing embedded software on multi-core processors.
• Possess a Top Secret level security clearance.

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 salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, 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, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace., 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 of perspectives 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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.