2026 Graduate – Defense Systems Simulation & Analysis – Electrical Engineer/Physicist/Mathematician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A leading research facility in Laurel, MD, is seeking technical graduates for defense systems development. Candidates should have a Bachelor's or Master's in relevant fields and skills in programming and analysis. Responsibilities include modeling and analyzing systems, identifying improvements, and communicating findings. This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $165,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits in a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees.
• Are skilled in programming and analysis, as well as math and physics.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and assessment of U.S. Defense systems.
• Model, analyze, and perform assessments of fielded systems.
• Develop presentations to effectively communicate technical recommendations.

Skills

Programming and analysis

Mathematics and physics knowledge

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Are you looking for impactful opportunities to help defend the United States, our armed forces, and our allies from all forms of air and missile threats?

Are you detail oriented, like to figure out how to make things better, enjoy writing high-level (e.g., Matlab) code to simulate real-world systems, and are looking for a high-tempo and team-oriented environment?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees and want to work in an exciting environment to solve challenging technical national security problems, we would love to have you join our team.

We are seeking innovative and talented technical graduates to join our Multi-Domain System Concepts Group to conduct simulation and analysis, identify defensive systems gaps, and develop new system concepts to improve defensive capabilities for the U.S. You would apply math, engineering, and physics knowledge to implement models and simulations of real-world and future systems, then analyze those sensors, battle management and communications systems, and kinetic and non-kinetic defensive systems. You would develop skills in analysis, algorithm development, optimization, and modeling and simulation of a wide variety of U.S. Missile Defense, Armed Forces, and Space systems.

As a member of our team, you will contribute to the development and assessment of U.S. Defense systems and communicate technical recommendations to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility will be contributing to the development and assessment of U.S. Defense systems.
• You will model, analyze, and perform assessments of fielded systems and identify opportunities for improvement, propose and develop innovative concepts/algorithms to improve capabilities, and conduct analysis to assess potential future systems performance. You will often conduct parametric analyses using high performance computing capabilities. You will sometimes develop prototype capabilities and work with real-world systems to transition ideas to fielded capabilities.
• You will develop presentations to effectively communicate technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community.
• You will contribute to our group and uphold core values through participation in collaborative teams and activities, as well as be surrounded by staff sharing a dedication to continual improvement, innovation and risk-taking, and developing high quality products.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees

• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of programming and analysis, as well as math and physics

• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Are able to obtain an 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 proficiency in MATLAB (or another high level language), especially with Object Orientated Programming and Event Driven Simulations

• Have domain knowledge of Missile Defense Agency, Space Force, Army, Navy, etc. systems and/or relevant internship experience

• Have strong background in RF and IR systems, signal processing, communications systems, and algorithm development

• Have a final Secret or Top Secret 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. 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 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 [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