2026 Internship - Software Development - Multi-Mission Planning Development

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Software Engineering Intern in Laurel, MD. You will work with experienced engineers to design, build, test, and improve mission planning software used to support U.S. military operations.

As part of the team, you will gain mentorship and hands-on experience with modern software practices, including automated testing, containerization, DevSecOps, and secure development, while contributing to impactful defense projects.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor's in CS/CE/SE or closely related field.
• GPA 3.4+ on a 4.0 scale.
• Experience with C++, Python, Java, JS or TS.
• Team-based academic, research, or project experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Able to obtain Interim Secret clearance and Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and improve software for modeling, simulation, and mission planning.
• Contribute to software supporting multiple mission areas (e.g., missile defense, air warfare).
• Help develop AI-enabled capabilities and efficient algorithms.
• Collaborate with engineers, mathematicians, and domain experts in a collaborative environment.
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and agile activities.
• Learn DevSecOps, automated testing, containerization, and secure development practices.

Skills

C++

Python

Java

JavaScript

TypeScript

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Software Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Git

Linux

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Cloud technologies

Job description

Description

Help Build Software That Supports Critical National Defense Missions

Do you want to see your software make a real-world impact?

Are you excited to apply what you've learned in the classroom to meaningful engineering challenges?

Do you enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating with talented teammates, and building software that supports critical national defense missions?

If you're pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related field, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Software Engineering Intern this summer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers, scientists, and developers to design, build, test, and improve mission planning software used to support U.S. military operations. Throughout the summer, you'll receive mentorship, gain hands-on experience with modern software engineering practices, and contribute to projects that help shape the future of defense technology.

As a member of our team, you will:

• Design, develop, test, and improve software for advanced modeling, simulation, and mission planning applications.


• Contribute to software that supports multiple mission areas, including Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, and Hypersonic Defense.


• Help develop AI-enabled capabilities and efficient algorithms that enhance mission planning and decision support.


• Collaborate with software engineers, systems engineers, mathematicians, and domain experts in a highly collaborative environment.


• Participate in software design reviews, technical discussions, code reviews, and agile development activities.


• Learn modern software engineering practices, including automated testing, containerization, DevSecOps, and secure software development.


• Gain exposure to the operational challenges faced by the U.S. military and how advanced software supports mission success.


• Build technical and professional skills through mentorship, meaningful project work, and collaboration with experienced technical staff.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications if you:

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical field.


• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.


• Have experience developing software using one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript.


• Enjoy solving technical problems and learning new technologies.


• Have experience working on team-based academic, research, personal, or extracurricular software projects.


• Communicate effectively with teammates, instructors, and technical stakeholders through written and verbal communication.


• Are organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities.


• Enjoy working collaboratively while also taking initiative on assigned work.


• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.

You'll stand out if you have one or more of the following:

• Are pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.


• Experience leading academic, research, open-source, or extracurricular software projects.


• Previous internship, research, or co-op experience applying software engineering skills to real-world problems.


• Experience with Git, Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, cloud technologies, automated testing, DevSecOps, or CI/CD pipelines.


• Coursework or project experience involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, optimization, modeling and simulation, distributed systems, software assurance or data analytics.


• Experience building software in collaborative development environments using Agile practices.


• An active Final Secret security 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 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

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly