2026 PhD Graduate – Signal Processing / Communications and Networking Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 102,500 - 227,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous education assistance

Work-life balance support

Job summary

A leading research laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking a PhD Graduate to contribute to algorithm development for air and missile defense systems. The role requires expertise in signal processing and programming in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills and the ability to obtain security clearances. Join a team that tackles critical national security challenges with a collaborative approach and numerous growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD required in relevant field.
• Experience in signal processing or communications theory preferred.
• Ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop distributed air and missile defense systems.
• Model and analyze performance of systems.
• Document and communicate findings to team.

Skills

Signal processing

Algorithm development

Modeling and analysis

Clear communication

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Job description

Overview

2026 PhD Graduate – Signal Processing / Communications and Networking Scientist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).

Base pay range: $102,500.00/yr - $227,500.00/yr. This range is provided by APL and can vary based on skills and experience. Eligibility for security clearances is noted in the qualifications.

Description

Are you looking for exciting opportunities to help determine how to best defend the United States, our armed forces, and our allies from all forms of air and missile threats? We are seeking talented and innovative graduates to join our Networked Systems and Integrated Fires Group to conduct algorithm development, modeling and analysis for air and missile defense. You would become a part of a team that works on a wide range of technical challenges involving sensor data processing, target tracking, multi-sensor data fusion, communications and networking, and system-of-systems design that encompasses sensors, networks, combat systems and weapons, with the goal of developing groundbreaking solutions for distributed warfare theatres. You will use math, engineering, physics and software expertise to model, analyze and improve existing and prototype new air and missile defense systems and concepts, broadening and deepening your technical knowledge while contributing to important national security missions.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibility will be contributing to the development of distributed air and missile defense systems
• Model, analyze, and study performance of current systems, identify opportunities for improvements, and propose and develop new algorithms and concepts
• Document technical results and communicate findings and recommendations to APL staff, contractors and sponsors. Write reports and algorithm descriptions and present analysis results and status updates
• Be part of a dynamic and collaborative group with opportunities for growth and advancement
• Contribute to and lead cross-organization team efforts, influence solutions, and continually learn as part of a team of scientists, engineers, analysts, and software system developers

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
• Background in one or more of the following areas: signal processing (adaptive, statistical, image, radar), communications theory (wireless, satellite, networks), nonlinear optimization (optimization theory, information theory, machine learning)
• Experience using MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for algorithm development, modeling and simulation
• Clear communication of ideas and results
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date and final Secret clearance after starting; eligibility requires U.S. citizenship

• Desirable: practical experience with RF and/or IR sensors and signals
• Active Secret security clearance
• Peer-reviewed publication history

About Us / Why Work at APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to defense, security, space and science challenges. We offer a welcoming culture that supports growth, collaboration, and work-life balance, with generous benefits and education assistance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL provides reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at posting time and may vary based on location, experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. For salaried employees working fewer than 40 hours per week, salary will be prorated. APL may offer bonuses, sign-on benefits, relocation benefits, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and education/training benefits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Job details

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other

Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

Seniority level: Not Applicable