2026 PhD Graduate - Wireless Communications Engineer - Wireless CyberCapabilities

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) in Laurel, MD, seeks researchers with expertise in wireless cybersecurity to advance secure communications for national defense. You will work with experts across Wireless Cybersecurity, RFML, and WCL to push the state of the art in wireless security and machine learning for RF.

Candidates should hold a PhD in EE/CE and be eligible for Interim Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical degree.
• Knowledge of signals & systems or wireless communication concepts.
• Experience with software design patterns in Python, C++, C, VHDL/Verilog, or MATLAB.
• Citizenship and ability to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Be part of a team that owns the communications environment.
• Collaborate with wireless engineers and software developers to implement solutions.
• Be exposed to a variety of projects and explore technical focus areas.

Skills

PhD in Electrical Engineering / Comput

Wireless communication concepts

Python / C++ / C / MATLAB / VHDL-Veri

Clearance eligibility ( Interim Top Se

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Python

C++

C

MATLAB

VHDL/Verilog

Job description

Wireless Cybersecurity

• We leverage our deep knowledge of wireless protocols to develop new and innovative approaches to secure our nation's communications against on-network and off-network attacks.

Radio Frequency Machine Learning (RFML)

• We apply our expertise in deep learning to devise novel solutions to complex RF and wireless communications problems that are intractable using conventional approaches.

Resilient Tactical Communications

• We draw on our mastery of wireless networking and waveform design to fortify existing systems and design new systems that will enable robust, adaptable tactical communications.

Wireless Communications Lab (WCL)

• The WCL leverages a broad range of expertise in modeling and simulation, rapid prototyping, end-to-end network analysis, and wireless exploitation to advance the state of the art in electromagnetic maneuverability, network intelligence, and wireless protocol security.

As a member of our team, you will...

• Be part of a team that leverages wireless communications expertise, software defined radios, and machine learning to own the communications environment.
• Collaborate with a team of wireless communications engineers and software developers to implement wireless communication technology solutions.
• As a member of our team, you will be exposed to a variety of projects and encouraged to explore what technical focus areas interest you.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical degree
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of signals & systems or wireless communication concepts
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of software design patterns in a language such as Python, C++, C, VHDL/Verilog, or MATLAB
• Are able to obtain 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...

• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of wireless communication protocols or systems such as Wi-Fi, 5G-NewRadio / NextG, or SATCOM
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) such as Fourier analysis and filtering
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of software defined radio (SDR) frameworks such as GNU Radio
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of machine learning (ML) including frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow.

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

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.

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