National Security Space, Lead Software Architect
Johns Hopkins APL · Laurel, MD · Software Engineering
About this role
Johns Hopkins APL is hiring a senior-level Solutions Architect in the software engineering function based in Laurel, MD. The posting calls out experience with TypeScript, Java, C++, Security.
- Role
- Solutions Architect
- Function
- software engineering
- Level
- senior
- Track
- Individual contributor
- Location
- Laurel, MD
- Department
- Software Engineering
- Posted
- Apr 21, 2026
More roles at Johns Hopkins APL
Job description
from Johns Hopkins APL careersAre you interested in changing science fiction into reality for our national security in space?
Are you passionate about developing capabilities for space kill webs?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
We are seeking an exceptional Lead Software Architect to drive the end-to-end software architecture for next-generation Space Kill Web capabilities. This critical role will define and evolve high-performance, resilient, and secure software systems that enable integrated kill-web operations across space, ground, and multi-domain assets. You will serve as the product owner for tools based on APL’s Virtual Ownship mod/sim tool in support of multiple national security space programs.
As a Lead Space Software Architect you will…
- Architect scalable, fault-tolerant software solutions for Space Kill Web systems, including data ingestion pipelines, real-time analytics, distributed decision engines, and secure effectuation layers.
- Manage new releases for existing space kill web modeling and simulation tools based on the Virtual Ownship platforms
- Lead the design of modular, service-oriented architectures that integrate proliferated space architectures, ground-segment interfaces, and joint all-domain command-and-control (JADC2) frameworks.
- Establish and enforce software architecture standards, design patterns, and technical roadmaps aligned with mission requirements, DoD directives, and emerging space-domain standards.
- Collaborate closely with systems engineering, mission analysts, payload developers, cybersecurity teams, and end-user stakeholders to translate operational needs into robust technical designs.