2026 Graduate - Engineer - Multi-Mission Planning Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement plan

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks engineers to design, implement, test, and cyber‑harden mission planning software used by U.S. warfighters across multiple defense domains.

You will contribute to multi‑mission planning capabilities, learn modeling and simulation tools, and engage with military users to translate field needs into robust software across unclassified and classified environments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Systems/Engineering, Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Eng., Physics or Math.
• Experience in design/coding/testing with C/C++, Python, Typescript/Java OR Matlab for design/analysis.
• Willing to interact with military warfighters to learn requirements.
• U.S. citizenship with Interim Secret clearance possible by start date and Secret clearance eventual

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and cyber‑harden software in unclassified and classified environments.
• Drive multi‑mission and multi‑service planning capabilities.
• Develop planning software for multi‑mission domains and apply AI to optimize systems.
• Learn modeling/simulation tools to predict performance and support future designs.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Typescript/Javascript

Java

Matlab

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related

MS in systems/engineering or related

Tools

Matlab

Job description

Do you want to help U.S. military personnel successfully carry out their critical defense missions around the globe?

Are you passionate about applying your academic degree to help our warfighters tackle the difficult challenges they face, such as Achieving Robust Homeland Defense, Accelerating Warfighting Capabilities in INDOPACOM, Operationalizing Space Forces and Operationalizing Artificial Intelligence?

Would you like to make critical contributions to the prototyping, development, and transition of military mission planning tools and solutions to U.S. warfighters in the Armed Services?

If so and you are graduating with a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics AND want to work in a team-oriented environment, then we'd love to have you join our team!

In A5C, we develop and deliver highly capable mission planning tools into the hands of the warfighter so they can configure/optimize fielded military systems for maximum performance across multiple simultaneous air and missile defense missions, multiple services, and multiple command echelon planning levels.

We are seeking an enthusiastic team player willing to take on challenging assignments and willing to learn about the complexity of placing and configuring military systems.

As a member of our team your duties and tasks could include:

• Designing, implementing, testing, and cyber‑hardening software in both unclassified and classified environments.
• Conducting critical engineering activities that will drive the development of multi‑mission and multi-service planning capabilities.
• Helping develop multi‑mission (Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, Hypersonic Defense, and Surface Warfare, etc.) planning software including applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable military warfighters in the field to configure and optimize their systems to maximize performance against adversaries.
• Learning about critical modeling and simulation tools that predict performance of U.S. military systems and applying those tools to conduct detailed engineering studies that ascertain capabilities/limitations of current systems, support future designs, lay out a strategic plan to achieve true multi‑mission multi‑service planning capabilities, and provide timely solutions to warfighters in the field facing real‑world operational challenges.
• Learning about enemy capabilities and limitations as fundamentally provided by the pertinent intelligence community.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Have experience in designing/coding/testing with industry‑standard general‑purpose programming languages of C/C++, Python, Typescript/Javascript, and/or Java OR have experience in the use of Matlab, Python, or equivalent for designing and analyzing systems.
• Are willing to meet and interact with military warfighters to discover what those warfighters actually want at their fingertips when deployed in the field all over the globe.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret‑level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

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

• Possess an MS in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Have 2 or more years of experience in the use of MatLab or Python programming platform for analyzing and designing systems.
• Have 2 or more years of experience developing in C/C++, Python, or Typescript/Javascript.
• Have a strong interest in modeling and simulation and/or Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Have academic experience leading team projects.
• Have experience as a summer intern in which your academic coursework was applied to successfully fulfill that internship.
• Already possess a Final Secret security clearance.

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.

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.

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].

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. Typical salary ranges for this role are $85,000 to $165,000 annually. APL may offer additional compensation such as bonuses, relocation benefits, and discretionary payments for exceptional performance. We provide a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.