2026 Graduate - Data Science - System Performance Evaluation

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking a data scientist to help analyze data for defense and national security applications. You will collaborate with engineers, software developers, and analysts to build data pipelines, models, and dashboards that support performance assessment across lifecycle stages.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's in a relevant field, experience with Python or R, and familiarity with ETL, ML methods, and SQL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field.
• Experience with Python and/or R.
• Experience in ETL, data quality pipelines, dashboards, and ML methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to develop data collection, processing, and analysis for system performance.
• Develop models and simulations to describe data, predict events, and guide action based on stakeholder needs.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field

Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

Sci-kit learn

NumPy

PyTorch

Matplotlib

Job description

Description

Do you enjoy manipulating and analyzing data to find data-driven solutions to complex problems?

Do you want to contribute to work that is crucial to maintaining our national security and strength?

Are you continuously searching for new ways to improve and build upon your projects?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science, we would love to have you join our team! We are seeking a data scientist to leverage their computational and analytical skills supporting multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of technological and methodological innovations to create analysis and assessment approaches for many defense and national security applications. You will be joining our team of hardworking engineers, software developers, data scientists, and analysts committed to advancing the state of the art in performance evaluation of the nation's strategic weapons systems throughout their lifecycle. We believe in continually growing our capabilities, and cultivating a work environment that embraces innovation, integrity, trust, and teamwork.

As a member of our team you will…

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams to develop data collection, processing, and analysis efforts to assess the performance of a number of systems supporting the Navy and Air Force.
• Develop Build models and simulations to describe data, predict events, and prescribe a course of action that directly reflect stakeholder's needs across a variety of domains

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a Bachelor's in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field
• Have experience with or knowledge of Python and/or R
• Have classroom or professional experience in developing extract, transfer, load processes for data quality pipelines, data science applications and dashboard tools, and statistical and machine learning methodologies for analysis
• Are able to obtain Interim 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have a Master's in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science or related field
• Have classroom or professional experience with statistical analysis methodologies and design of experiments.
• Classroom or professional experience with SQL and Data Science frameworks (such as Tensorflow, Sci-kit learn, Numpy, PyTorch, Matplotlib, or more)

About Us

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 [e-mail].

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually