2027 Graduate - Autonomous Systems Sensor Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks early‑career engineers, physicists, and mathematicians to join a multidisciplinary team advancing autonomous sensor systems. You'll work on RF, EO, and IR sensors, performing design, modeling, and hardware tests within a collaborative environment.

Join a group dedicated to cutting-edge autonomous technology and professional growth, with opportunities for further study and security clearances as you contribute to national defense projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in EE, physics, or mathematics.
• Background and interest in RF, EO, and IR sensors.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance with U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Conduct sensor research, modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Lab test sensor hardware/software to assess performance.
• Collaborate with government sponsors and engineers across teams.

Skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

Job description

Description

Are you looking for a career building deep expertise in a technical area critical to our national defense?

Do you wish to collaborate with and learn from some of the country’s top radio frequency, electro-optical and infrared sensor subject matter experts?

If so, our group is looking for newly graduating engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and scientists like you to join our team!

Our group provides critical technical contributions on state-of-the‑art sensors that integrate with guidance, navigation and control subsystems to form the heart of modern autonomous systems. We are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team whose vision is to ensure that the United States maintains a technological advantage on the world stage by leading the development and prototyping of advanced autonomous systems. If you desire a rewarding career designing and evaluating advanced autonomous system sensors, we’d like to talk to you about joining our team! We are seeking candidates with academic backgrounds and interest in one or more of the following technical areas:

You will join a team of dedicated engineers, physicists, and mathematicians who develop innovative algorithms, create advanced simulations and perform hardware test and integration for evaluating autonomous sensor designs and tactical performance. Keys to your success will be the motivation and technical curiosity to tackle a breadth of sensor related challenges across a spectrum of legacy and state-of-the-art autonomous flight vehicles. Our team is committed to developing exceptional talent and innovation. As part of our group, you will have an opportunity to grow your expertise across these technologies in an area of autonomous systems that you are enthusiastic about.

As a member of our team you will...

• Have the opportunity to conduct cutting edge sensor research, design, modeling, simulation and analysis while collaborating with adjacent technical domains in the development of next generation autonomous systems.
• Develop innovative ways of modeling, simulating, analyzing and predicting sensor performance in complex operational environments.
• Lab test sensor hardware and software to identify operational capabilities and limitations.
• Work closely with sensor subject matter experts who will train and mentor you on your path to attaining deeper technical knowledge and experience.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors, including platform designers in multi-disciplinary optimization studies for early phase vehicle development.
• Have the opportunity to continue your education through a variety of educational opportunities such as technical short courses and graduate degree programs.

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in an Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or a related field.
• Are passionate about creative problem solving and applying your skills to the design and development of our nation’s next generation sensor technologies critical to autonomous systems.
• Have academic background and interest in one or more of the technical areas listed above.
• Have classroom, project or internship experience in RF, EO and/or IR sensors.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 classroom, project and/or internship experience working with sensors integrated with guidance, navigation and control systems and/or integrated into autonomous systems.
• Have familiarity with complimentary disciplines including: modeling, simulation and analysis; design optimization; software or algorithm development; and hardware testing.
• Are interested in continuing your studies towards an MS or PhD in EE, physics, mathematics or a related discipline.

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually