Senior Ocean Engineer

Description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of maritime systems and undersea
warfare?
Do you thrive at the intersection of technical innovation and strategy?Are you looking for an opportunity to influence technical direction while leading
multidisciplinary technical teams tackling the Navy's most challenging problems in
the maritime domain?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our Ocean Systems and Engineering
Group at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Ocean Engineer to serve as a senior engineer and lead across our
maritime portfolio. This position is intended for an engineer who combines deep
technical expertise with strategic vision-someone who can recognize emerging
operational needs, formulate innovative technical approaches, build enduring internal and
external relationships, and help shape the long-term investments in maritime
advancements.

Working across multiple programs and technical organizations, you will help define
technical priorities, guide complex engineering efforts, mentor technical staff, and
translate operational challenges into impactful research and development programs that
deliver capability to the Fleet.

As a Senior Ocean Engineer, you will...

• Shape the technical direction of our ocean systems portfolio by identifying emerging
  mission needs and developing long-term technology strategies.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple maritime and undersea warfare
  initiatives spanning autonomous systems, sensing, communications, payload
  integration, and mission systems.
• Build trusted relationships while identifying opportunities for new technical
  collaborations and research initiatives.
• Guide multidisciplinary teams from concept development through prototype
  demonstration and technology transition.
• Develop technical roadmaps, white papers, strategic proposals, and sponsor briefings
  aimed at sustained impact and growth.
• Identify opportunities to integrate expertise across APL Mission Areas to solve
  complex operational challenges.
• Mentor engineers and scientists while fostering technical excellence, innovation, and
  collaboration.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a bachelor's degree in an engineering field or equivalent demonstrated
  experience in engineering, systems thinking, or analytical approaches to solve
  complex maritime security and technical challenges.
• Have 10+ years of relevant experience leading complex engineering, systems integration,
  research and development, acquisition, or operational initiatives involving maritime,
  naval, undersea, or autonomous systems.
• Demonstrate success establishing technical vision, integrating multidisciplinary
  teams, and delivering innovative solutions to complex sponsor challenges.
• Have experience developing technical strategy and engaging senior government
  sponsors to shape research, technology, or capability investments.
• Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience
  briefing senior technical, military, and executive leadership.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify emerging mission needs and translate them into
  executable technical programs.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to get a Top Secret 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...

• Hold an M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline.
• Have experience as a Chief Engineer, Technical Director, Principal Investigator,
  Program Manager, or comparable senior technical leader.
• Have successfully transitioned advanced technologies into operational Navy or DoD
  capabilities.
• Have established relationships with ONR, NAVSEA, DARPA, NAVWAR, PEOs, or
  other defense sponsors.
• Have demonstrated success growing technical portfolios, creating new research
  initiatives, and shaping long-term investment strategies.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance.

About Us

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.

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 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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually