2026 Graduate - Engineer - Multi-Mission Planning Development

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a recent graduate to join A5C and help develop mission planning tools for U.S. armed forces. You will prototype, develop, and transition software enabling warfighters to configure and optimize military systems across multiple services and command levels.

Responsibilities include cyber‑hardening software, modeling and simulation, and applying AI to improve performance for Ballistic Missile Defense and related domains. U.S.

Qualifications

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• Experience designing, coding, and testing with general‑purpose languages (C/C++, Python, Typescript/JavaScript, Java) or MATLAB for systems design.
• Willingness to interact with military warfighters to discover field requirements.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and cyber‑hardening software in unclassified and classified environments.
• Conduct critical engineering activities for multi‑mission and multi‑service planning capabilities.
• Help develop planning software for Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, Hypersonic Defense, and Surface Warfare using AI to improve performance.
• Perform modeling and simulation studies to assess performance of U.S. military systems and support future design and planning goals.
• Learn about enemy capabilities using intelligence resources.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Typescript/JavaScript

Java

Matlab

Education

MS degree in related discipline

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/Physics/Math

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

We are looking for a recent graduate with a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related disciplines to join A5C and help develop mission planning tools for the U.S. armed forces.

As a team member, you will prototype, develop, and transition software that enables warfighters to configure and optimize military systems across multiple services and command levels.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and cyber‑hardening software in both unclassified and classified environments.
• Conduct critical engineering activities that drive development of multi‑mission and multi‑service planning capabilities.
• Help develop planning software for Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, Hypersonic Defense, and Surface Warfare, applying artificial intelligence to improve warfighter performance.
• Perform modeling and simulation studies to assess performance of U.S. military systems and support future design and planning goals.
• Learn about enemy capabilities and limitations using intelligence community resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• Experience designing, coding, and testing with industry‑standard general‑purpose languages (C/C++, Python, Typescript/JavaScript, Java) or use of MATLAB, Python, or equivalent for systems design.
• Willingness to interact with military warfighters to discover their field requirements.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by start date and ultimately a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in a related discipline.
• Two or more years of experience with MATLAB or Python for systems analysis.
• Two or more years of experience developing in C/C++, Python, or Typescript/JavaScript.
• Strong interest in modeling, simulation, and/or artificial intelligence.
• Academic experience leading team projects.
• Experience as a summer intern applying coursework to real projects.
• Existing Final Secret clearance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to the nation's most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. APL offers a vibrant, welcoming environment where you can grow professionally and personally.

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. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate: $165,000 Annually