2026 PhD Graduate - Formal Verification and Software Assurance Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Software Assurance/Formal Methods Developer to advance verification of critical systems. You will join research teams applying formal methods to real-world challenges, develop new tools, and contribute to government programs, with opportunities for growth and collaboration across disciplines.

Qualified candidates hold a PhD and clearance eligibility; we value rigorous analysis, innovation, and a commitment to national

Qualifications

• PhD in CS/CE/Applied Math or a related field.
• Internship or research experience with formal methods or software assurance.
• Understanding of formal methods tools (symbolic execution, model checking, theorem proving).
• Ability to understand code in multiple languages and develop analysis demos.
• Willingness to travel locally.
• Eligibility for Interim Top Secret (US citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Solve problems to improve software assurance using static and dynamic analysis, language safety properties, symbolic execution, abstract interpretation, model checking, and automated and interactive theorem provers to tackle the nation's most pressing cyber security challenges.
• Develop techniques to support zero-defect software and systems.
• Join research teams to advance formal methods theory and practice.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists passionate about innovation to defend national security.
• Participate in projects applying formal methods to real-world problems to formalize algorithms, improve code quality, and analyze cyber-physical systems.
• Devise and develop algorithms, techniques, and tools to test ideas for improving critical systems and reasoning under uncertainty.
• Analyze data and results to show benefits of formal methods in system development and tool usage.
• Share knowledge via papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and Government decision makers.
• Join an environment that supports professional growth, balanced life, and technical development.
• Participate in fun social activities like game nights and summer cookouts.

Skills

Formal methods

Software assurance

Static analysis

Symbolic execution

Model checking

Security clearance

PhD

Education

PhD in Computer Science / related field

Tools

Coverity

Klocwork

Valgrind

Java Pathfinder

KLEE

angr

TLA+

SPIN

CVC5

MathSAT

Z3

ACL-2

Lean

Rocq

Job description

Do you have experience conducting formal verification with formal methods for system and software assurance?

Are you passionate about making meaningful contributions that impact national security systems?

Do you work best in an intellectually stimulating, professionally rewarding, and fun environment?

If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our APL team.

We are seeking a motivated and creative Software Assurance/Formal Methods Developer who will...

• Solve problems to improve software assurance using static and dynamic analysis, language safety properties, symbolic execution, abstract interpretation, model checking, and automated and interactive theorem provers to tackle the nation's most pressing cyber security challenges.
• Explore techniques to support development of zero-defect software and systems.
• Work on research teams staffed with world-class experts to perform research and development improving the state-of-the-art in software assurance theory and practice.
• Work alongside engineers and scientists who are passionate about innovation and are driven to make a real difference in defending our nation.
• Participate in research projects that create and apply formal methods tools and techniques to real-world problems. Goals include formal verification of algorithms, improvement of code quality, elimination of software bugs and design flaws, formal specification description, and analysis of cyber-physical systems.
• Devise and develop algorithms, techniques, and new tools that implement and test your ideas for improving critical systems and more reliable reasoning under uncertainty.
• Analyze data and results related to system development. Show the benefits of using formal methods in system development as well as the positive effects of using analysis tools.
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to technical staff, management and Government decision makers. Take advantage of opportunities to participate in working groups, sponsor meetings, proposal writing, and conferences.
• Join an environment that promotes professional growth, a balanced life, and encourages technical development.
• Have opportunities to participate in fun, social activities like our weekly game nights and yearly summer cookout!

Qualifications

You meet the minimum qualifications for this position if you have:

• Have a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or a related field.
• Internship experience or a combination of graduate research and experience with formal methods, software assurance, or related areas.
• Understanding or experience with formal methods tools and techniques, such as language safety properties, symbolic execution, abstract interpretation, model checking, automated and interactive theorem proving, programming language analysis and design, type theory, static source code analysis, and formal logic.
• Ability to understand code in a variety of programming languages, and be able to develop software to demonstrate new analysis capabilities.
• Interest in local limited travel, which may be required.
• 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.

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

• Internship experience with static and dynamic analysis, formal methods, or related areas.
• Experience with the above, familiarity with operational semantics, abstract interpretation, symbolic execution, type inference.
• Experience with software development on Windows and Linux, using languages such as Rust, OCaml, C/C++, and Java.
• Experience with (1) Static Analysis tools such as Coverity and Klockwork, (2) Dynamic Analysis tools such as Valgrind, libFuzzer, and Java Pathfinder, (3) Symbolic Execution Engines such as KLEE and angr, (4) Model Checkers such as TLA+ and SPIN, (5) SMT Solvers such as CVC5 and MathSAT (6) Automated Theorem Provers such as Z3 and ACL-2, (7) Interactive Theorem Provers such as Lean and Rocq, and any other formal methods tools.
• Experience writing published papers and presenting results to conferences/workshops.
• Familiarity with a range of cyber-security concepts, such as network and host-based security, cryptography, trusted systems, and vulnerability/exploit discovery.
• Interest in improving system design to help reduce vulnerabilities and improve computer security.
• Current DoD clearance and prior experience working with Government agencies.

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually