2026 Graduate - Cyber Engineer - Capabilities Development

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel (MD)

On-site

USD 97,000 - 155,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading applied physics research lab in Maryland seeks a Cyber Engineer. The role involves developing cybersecurity capabilities for defense and intelligence sponsors. Candidates should have relevant degrees and programming experience. A strong emphasis is placed on analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to obtain a security clearance is required.

Qualifications

Must be able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance.
must be a US citizen to meet classified information eligibility.

Responsibilities

Work with defense or intelligence sponsors to understand operational needs.
Develop novel approaches to cybersecurity in operational environments.
Explore new research areas to address today’s problems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Java/Kotlin

Python

Rust

JavaScript/TypeScript

C/C++

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the 2026 Graduate - Cyber Engineer - Capabilities Development role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Base pay range

$97,000.00/yr - $155,000.00/yr

Description

Are you passionate about learning how things work and making them better? Do you want the chance to push the boundaries of cyber defense? Are you excited about working with others to solve some of the nation’s toughest cyber challenges? If so, we want you to join our team at APL’s Capabilities Development Group (QCC)! We work as a multi-disciplinary team of systems, cybersecurity, and software engineers, who enable mission resilience by developing novel tools. We leverage the latest threat intelligence along with cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, techniques and technologies to achieve an operational advantage for our sponsors.

As a member of our team you will...

Be mentored by top experts to learn the art and science of developing cyber capabilities
Work with sponsors and end users in defense or intelligence organizations to understand their operational needs and identify requirements
Build mission-aligned capabilities
Develop novel approaches to solving cybersecurity challenges in operational environments
Explore promising new research areas and seek ways to apply ideas to today’s problems
Share approaches and methods with others team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications if you...

Are graduating with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or a Cybersecurity-related field
Have previous internship, research, or personal project experience developing software using Java/Kotlin, Python, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, or equivalent
Have previous internship, research, or personal project experience developing concepts, systems, or analytics, with an understanding of systems engineering or operational planning
Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in teams
Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret Clearance. If selected, you will be subjected to a government security investigation, and you should meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information up to the Top Secret level. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship

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

Can apply software development skills to different domains and subject matters
Have knowledge of AI/ML, Agentic AI, and/or AI-enabled cyber methodologies
Have experience in DevSecOps, and/or network security and systems integration
Have experience with Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community cyber operations/mission forces
Have experience in conducting research, development, and testing of cyber capabilities
Have experience in the development of related documents that define processes, solutions, requirements, and specifications for government agencies (military, federal departments/agencies, state, and local) and public organizations to collaborate and achieve greater cybersecurity
Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level 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. 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 http://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 Accommodations@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

$97,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$155,000 Annually

Senior ity level