2025 PhD Graduate - Engineering/Science - Signals Exploitation Systems

Are you passionate about building impactful solutions for our greatest national security challenges?

Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

Do you value working in a creative, collaborative environment?

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

If you are graduating with a PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or Computer Science and want to work in applied systems, we'd love to have you join the Signals Exploitation Systems team!

We are seeking engineers to help us develop, implement and field signal collection and processing systems, and user interfaces to address challenging national security problems. These systems enable planning and decision making in domains as diverse as active threat deterrence, signal intelligence, cyber operations, machine learning, image processing, and applied data analytics. We want talented individuals who can work as part of a team to design, implement, test, document, and maintain hardware and software applications that provide highly impactful capabilities. You will combine hardware and software engineering expertise with the latest research to build rapid prototypes and then refine product solutions.

As a member of our team...

• You will work with sponsors and end users in defense or intelligence organizations to understand their operations and identify requirements.
• You will work to understand how signals translate from the environment to sensors to intelligible information to users
• You will work on a team to design, implement, test, and maintain hardware and software-based solutions in a dynamic environment.
• You will seek out new and innovative ways to improve task efficiency and document approaches.

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

• Have a PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or Computer Science
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of software and/or hardware development best practices
• Have experience with C/C++/Java, Matlab
• Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Are proficient in Python, C#, Real-Time OS, Regression Testing
• Are skilled or have knowledge of Signal Processing, Digital Signal Processing, DSP or FPGA design/development, Embedded Software, GUI (Graphical User Interface) Design, Machine Learning, Algorithm Development/Evaluation, Windows GUI, audio processing
• Are Interested in: Embedded SW, Software Engineering/Development, Digital Signal Processing, Real-Time SW Engineering, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Algorithm Development

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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. 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 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.