2027 Graduate - Electronic Warfare Engineer/Analyst

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington area seeks an Electronic Warfare RF Engineer/Analyst to model, analyze, and test advanced RF systems for EW missions. You will run threat simulations, design lab/field tests, and translate data into actionable recommendations with a team of engineers and scientists.

Ideal candidates hold a BS/MS in engineering or a related field, are proficient in MATLAB/Python/C/C++, and can travel occasionally;

Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, CS, Mathematics, Physics or related technical field
• Coursework or project experience in RF systems, communications, DSP, embedded systems, software, modeling & simulation, or data analysis
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, C, or C++
• Willing to travel occasionally for tests/integration
• Eligibility for Interim Secret security clearance by start date and ability to obtain Top Secret clearance; US citizenship required

Responsibilities

• Support development of algorithms, software tools, and signal-processing approaches for EW applications
• Hands-on work with RF test equipment, SDRs, embedded systems, antennas, analyzers
• Plan, execute, and analyze lab and field Test & Evaluation activities and post-test data
• Apply RF theory and signal processing to understand threat behavior and attack vectors
• Contribute to RF/hardware-in-the-loop test and improve test tools and workflows

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

Education

BS or MS in Engineering/CS/Math/Physics

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

Oscilloscopes

Software-defined radios

Job description

Are you excited to apply and broaden your learning and knowledge while developing new technologies that solve real-world national security challenges?

Would you like to work on RF systems, electronic warfare, communications, software, modeling and simulation, or test and evaluation?

Do you want to contribute to systems that support warfighters across aircraft, ships, satellites, and other mission platforms?

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

The Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems group is a multi-disciplinary team that delivers innovative electronic warfare capabilities to address some of the Nation’s most pressing challenges. We specialize in electronic warfare systems test and evaluation, communications electronic attack (EA), threat representation and analysis, and RF hardware development and analysis. We are a dedicated team of engineers and scientists who work with Government and Industry and who are passionate about providing advanced RF capabilities to protect U.S. citizens, service members, and allies.

We are seeking an Electronic Warfare RF Engineer / Analyst to help us model, analyze, and test advanced RF systems in support of electronic warfare missions. As a member of our team, you’ll contribute to developing and running simulations of threat sensors and communication links, designing and executing lab and field tests, and turning complex RF and test data into clear technical findings and recommendations. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who collaborate closely on building and refining tools, algorithms, and workflows for RF analysis, signal processing, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop evaluation. We are passionate about hands‑on experimentation, thoughtful modeling, and data‑driven assessments that directly inform system performance and operational effectiveness. Our team values ownership of tasks, clear communication of results, and a willingness to address challenging, ambiguous RF problems from both the bench and the keyboard.

As an Electronic Warfare Engineer...

• Support the development of algorithms, software tools, and signal-processing approaches for electronic-warfare-relevant applications
• Hands‑on work with RF test equipment, software‑defined radios, embedded systems, antennas, protocol analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
• Plan, execute, and analyze laboratory and field Test & Evaluation (T&E) activities, including developing test plans, supporting test events, and performing post‑test data analysis.
• Apply communications theory, RF systems knowledge, signal processing, numerical tools, and software best practices to understand system and threat behavior and identify potential electronic attack vectors
• Contribute to RF/hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HWIL) test and analysis efforts, and help standardize or improve test tools, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide technical expertise and clear recommendations to sponsors and teammates regarding: system capabilities and limitations, electronic countermeasure effectiveness, Operational tactics, program direction, and priorities, and Areas for further investigation and technology development
• Establish effective working relationships and interact with cross‑organizational teams, management, external sponsors, and partners across APL and industry.

Qualifications

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

• Have a BS/MS degree in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field
• Coursework, research, internship, or project experience in one or more of the following areas: RF systems, communications systems, digital signal processing, embedded systems, software development, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, or data analysis.
• Familiarity with at least one technical programming language or analysis environment, such as MATLAB, Python, C, or C++.
• Are willing to travel occasionally to support integration and test events.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 a Master’s or PhD degree in Physics, Math, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have an active Top-Secret security clearance.
• Have experience with RF laboratory equipment. Examples include spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, software‑defined radios, protocol analyzers, or related measurement equipment.

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