2027 Graduate - Developer - Cyber-Physical Systems

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking engineers and developers to build and evaluate cyber-physical systems for national security. You will integrate sensors, edge computing, cloud resources, and autonomous platforms, and contribute to lab and field testing to improve performance.

You will develop tools to analyze cyber-physical systems across embedded software, data repositories, and networks, and apply technologies like AI/ML and distributed computing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as CS, CE, EE, Cybersecurity, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, or Python.
• Hands-on software development/evaluation experience.
• Ability to rapidly learn new technologies and solve difficult problems.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and communicate clearly.
• U.S. citizenship with eligibility for Interim Top Secret access and TS/SCI eventual clearance.

Responsibilities

• Build software integrating sensors, edge devices, cloud resources, autonomous platforms, and other real-world systems.
• Participate in lab and field testing to evaluate and improve system performance.
• Develop tools to analyze and exploit cyber-physical systems across software, models, data, and networks.
• Explore AI/ML, agentic AI, autonomous systems, embedded programming, containers, distributed computing.
• Communicate results via documentation, demonstrations, code reviews, and sponsor presentations.

Skills

C/C++/Python programming

Team collaboration

Rapid learning

Independent problem solving

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE/Cybersecurity/Robotics/Mechatronics

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Linux

Containers

Cloud computing

Edge computing

Embedded software

Job description

Description

Have you considered the military and intelligence capabilities enabled by the proliferation of low-cost sensing, advanced computing, and precision control technologies?

Are you interested in developing and defeating systems built around these technologies to solve real-world challenges?

Looking for a place where you can learn quickly, try new ideas, work with talented teammates, and see the things you build make a real difference?

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

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group is seeking engineers and developers to build advanced capabilities that address some of the toughest threats to our national security. Our group focuses on technologies that sense, analyze, plan, communicate, and operate in the real world, including surveillance systems and uncrewed platforms. As these technologies become more pervasive and interconnected, they create new sources of intelligence as well as new vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to support national security operations. Our goal is to develop capabilities that work in the real world and help U.S. operators understand, access, disrupt, and exploit these systems to gain decisive advantage.

As a member of our team, you will perform some or all of these responsibilities...

• Build software that integrates systems of sensors, edge computing devices, cloud computing resources, autonomous platforms, and/or other real-world systems.
• Participate in laboratory and field testing to evaluate and improve system performance based on results.
• Develop tools to analyze and exploit cyber-physical systems through their embedded software, onboard models, data repositories, network communications, and other digital components.
• Explore, learn, and apply technologies such as machine learning, agentic AI, autonomous systems, embedded programming, containerization, distributed computing, etc.
• Communicate technical results through documentation, demonstrations, code reviews, team discussions, and sponsor presentations.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong programming skills in one or more modern languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Hands-on experience developing and/or evaluating software through coursework, internships, research, personal projects, or other technical activities.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to rapidly learn new technologies, independently tackle unfamiliar problems, and apply fundamental principles to solve hard problems.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, communicate technical ideas clearly, contribute to team success, and work across multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Are able to obtain Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI 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...

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• Hands-on experience developing autonomous or uncrewed platforms, command-and-control systems, sensing and surveillance technologies, IoT devices, wired or wireless networking infrastructure, or other software-defined systems.
• Experience applying AI/ML, including agentic AI, to automate complex engineering or other technical workflows.
• Experience with network traffic analysis, protocol discovery, interface mapping, system behavior analysis, or characterization of unfamiliar systems and their dependencies.
• Experience in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or static and dynamic analysis of software/firmware.
• Familiarity with modern software infrastructure such as Linux, containers, container management, cloud computing, and/or edge computing.

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