2026 Graduate - Engineer - Multi-Mission Planning Development

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

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks engineers and scientists to help design, implement, and test software for mission planning tools used by U.S. warfighters.

You will work on multi-service planning capabilities, apply AI to optimization, and learn modeling/simulation tools to predict system performance and guide future designs. The role requires a degree in engineering or sciences and proficiency in C/C++, Python, TypeScript/JavaScript, or MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Mathematics.
• Experience coding in C/C++, Python, Typescript/JavaScript or MATLAB for design and analysis.
• Eligibility for interim Secret-level clearance and eventual Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and cyber-hardening of software across unclassified and classified environments.
• Drive development of multi-mission and multi-service planning capabilities.
• Develop planning software using AI to help warfighters configure systems for performance.
• Learn and apply modeling and simulation tools to assess capabilities and plan improvements.
• Learn enemy capabilities as provided by intelligence sources.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Typescript/Javascript

Java

Matlab

Education

Bachelors in Engineering/CS/Math

MS preferred

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.

Responsibilities

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 military systems to maximize performance against our country's 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 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. 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...

• Possess an MS in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or 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. 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