Software Systems Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 21, 2026. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory scores B on the Alion truth index.
Are you passionate about designing and developing software solutions to complex problems?
Do you enjoy rapid prototyping and iteration in an environment that encourages experimentation while maintaining scalable, extensible design?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Software Systems Engineer to help us build software systems that solve the Navy's hardest problems. You'll be joining a team of multidisciplinary engineers who excel at rapidly developing and deploying prototype solutions. Some of the issues our team addresses include sensor integration, data fusion, distributed communications, and decentralized processing. We expect our engineers to have versatile skills and the motivation to work on all aspects of a project, including concept development, algorithm design, software implementation, and testing. Software engineers that succeed here have the drive to learn and employ different languages and technologies as tasks requires, including formalized systems engineering and system design principles.
We foster continuous learning and encourage the use of modern tools and practices. You'll apply a balance of emerging and proven technologies to design innovating, dependable solutions. As a member of our team, you will ultimately be contributing to multiple projects spanning the entire product life-cycle.
As a Software Systems Engineer, you will:
- Actively work with users and engineers to understand their needs and use cases.
- Design software to meet said needs.
- Implement and test solutions in software.
- Have opportunities to work with real-time tactical systems and improve these systems through refactoring and addition of new capabilities.
- Develop prototype software solutions for concept design and exploration.
- Take addvantage of modern software development methodologies including automated testing, continuous integration, rapid iteration, design thinking, and more.
- Communicate designs, implementation, and results through reports, peer reviews, and presentations in a friendly team environment.
- Design and implement software that is testable, extensible, and maintainble.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Thrive in a highly collaborative setting where others count on you for timely results.
- Have 3+ years of experience in real-time software design and development.
- Have exposure to at least one object-oriented software languages (C++ preferred).
- Are familiar with using common DevOps toolchains (e.g. GitLab).
- Have experience using one or more scripting languages (e.g. Python, Perl).
- Have a strong interest in designing and evaluating software architecture.
- Are willing to occasionally travel to sponsor sites for test events and data collection.
- Are willing and able to continually learn new programming languages, software frameworks, and practices.
- Are able to obtain Interim Secret by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret 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...
- Are an expert in multiple software languages and concepts listed above.
- Have experience with tactical systems, combat systems, radar, electronic warfare, tactical networks, or weapons.
- Have experience working with target tracking systems or algorithms.
- Are comfortable working with and designing concurrent software.
- Are well-versed in C++ 11 (or newer).
- Hold an advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a similar field.
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 [email protected].
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
Are you passionate about designing and developing software solutions to complex problems?
Do you enjoy rapid prototyping and iteration in an environment that encourages experimentation while maintaining scalable, extensible design?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Software Systems Engineer to help us build software systems that solve the Navy's hardest problems. You'll be joining a team of multidisciplinary engineers who excel at rapidly developing and deploying prototype solutions. Some of the issues our team addresses include sensor integration, data fusion, distributed communications, and decentralized processing. We expect our engineers to have versatile skills and the motivation to work on all aspects of a project, including concept development, algorithm design, software implementation, and testing. Software engineers that succeed here have the drive to learn and employ different languages and technologies as tasks requires, including formalized systems engineering and system design principles.
We foster continuous learning and encourage the use of modern tools and practices. You'll apply a balance of emerging and proven technologies to design innovating, dependable solutions. As a member of our team, you will ultimately be contributing to multiple projects spanning the entire product life-cycle.
As a Software Systems Engineer, you will:
- Actively work with users and engineers to understand their needs and use cases.
- Design software to meet said needs.
- Implement and test solutions in software.
- Have opportunities to work with real-time tactical systems and improve these systems through refactoring and addition of new capabilities.
- Develop prototype software solutions for concept design and exploration.
- Take addvantage of modern software development methodologies including automated testing, continuous integration, rapid iteration, design thinking, and more.
- Communicate designs, implementation, and results through reports, peer reviews, and presentations in a friendly team environment.
- Design and implement software that is testable, extensible, and maintainble.
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
- Have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Thrive in a highly collaborative setting where others count on you for timely results.
- Have 3+ years of experience in real-time software design and development.
- Have exposure to at least one object-oriented software languages (C++ preferred).
- Are familiar with using common DevOps toolchains (e.g. GitLab).
- Have experience using one or more scripting languages (e.g. Python, Perl).
- Have a strong interest in designing and evaluating software architecture.
- Are willing to occasionally travel to sponsor sites for test events and data collection.
- Are willing and able to continually learn new programming languages, software frameworks, and practices.
- Are able to obtain Interim Secret by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret 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...
- Are an expert in multiple software languages and concepts listed above.
- Have experience with tactical systems, combat systems, radar, electronic warfare, tactical networks, or weapons.
- Have experience working with target tracking systems or algorithms.
- Are comfortable working with and designing concurrent software.
- Are well-versed in C++ 11 (or newer).
- Hold an advanced degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a similar field.