2026 PhD Graduate – Applied Algorithms Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education Assistance

Health Insurance

Retirement Contributions

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Huntsville, AL is seeking innovative PhD Graduate candidates to conduct advanced research in missile defense systems. You will join a team of engineers and scientists dedicated to developing high-impact solutions to critical challenges.

The role involves conducting systems analysis and applying AI/ML techniques to enhance defense capabilities. Competitive compensation starts at $105,000 with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Possess or will soon be a PhD in Math, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Programming experience with MATLAB, C++, Python, or other high-level programming languages.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to obtain Interim Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities related to U.S. Missile Defense systems.
• Assist in the development, testing, and analysis of new concepts.
• Implement algorithms and design modeling and simulation components of systems.
• Analyze simulation outputs and translate results into insights.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-solving Skills

Programming in MATLAB

Programming in C++

Programming in Python

Familiarity with Probabilistic Algorithms

Education

PhD in Math, Computer Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Do you love developing creative solutions to challenging problems?
Are you passionate about using innovation and advanced technologies to solve some of our country's critical challenges?
If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking innovative and highly talented PhD Graduate candidates to join our group, which specializes in advanced research and program of record activities for rapid capability advancements. In particular, you will conduct systems analysis, identify gaps, and develop novel concepts to revolutionize defensive capabilities for the U.S.A. You will apply math, engineering, computer science, and physics knowledge to implement new distributed algorithms, advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques, object tracking and discrimination, data fusion concepts, etc. in support of a wide variety of defense systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who are passionate about developing high-impact solutions at the forefront of APL's mission to provide innovative solutions to critical challenges in missile defense.

Responsibilities

• You will be located at the Sponsor site in Huntsville, AL with reach back to the technical team in Laurel, MD.
• You will conduct research and development activities related to U.S. Missile Defense systems.
• You will assist in the development, testing, and analysis of new concepts related to sensing, engagement, and fire control.
• You will implement algorithms and design modeling and simulation components of systems.
• You will develop AI/ML-based concepts and technical solutions to solve challenging problems.
• You will apply novel data fusion and tracking concepts for object tracking and discrimination applications.
• You will analyze simulation outputs and translate results into clear insights for the research sponsor.
• You will deliver presentations to technical staff, program leadership, and government sponsors.
• You will develop prototype capabilities and work with partner organizations to transition ideas to fielded systems.

Qualifications

• Possess or will soon be a PhD in Math, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Are detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Have familiarity with probabilistic algorithms and numerical methods.
• Have programming experience with MATLAB, C++, Python, or other high-level programming languages.
• Are highly self-motivated to dig into data to root cause issues and to understand system performance.
• Have the ability to work both independently and as part of a larger team, as well as effective collaboration skills with other teams and contractors.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top 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.

Additional Preferred Experience

• Have knowledge, experience and interest in working with AI/ML technologies and MLOps practices.
• Have domain knowledge of Navy, Missile Defense Agency, Space Force, or Air Force systems.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

Benefits

APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. 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. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

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].