2027 Graduate - Engineer/Scientist/Analyst - Communications Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks engineers, scientists, and analysts to advance assured C3 solutions for national security. Join a multidisciplinary team applying modeling and simulation, data analysis, and field testing to solve critical defense challenges.

This role emphasizes growth, collaboration, and mission impact with opportunities to work on systems engineering, MBSE tools, and next‑generation communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in a technical field.
• Proficient in C/C++/C#/Java/Python/Rust/MATLAB.
• Able to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance by start date.
• U.S. citizenship eligibility for security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Research secure, robust C3 solutions for national security missions.
• Develop system-of-systems models of C3 platforms and missions.
• Design and test resilient networks and communications systems.
• Develop modeling and simulation tools for mission studies.
• Analyze data and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Programming languages

Clearance readiness

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Tools

MBSE tools

Cameo

MagicDraw

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Are you passionate about developing innovative, resilient, and assured Command, Control, and Communications (C3) solutions to defend our nation against global threats?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or other related technical degree and want to develop innovative assured Command, Control, and Communications (C3) solutions, we'd love to have you join our team!

The Assured C3 Solutions Group (QKR) is a multidisciplinary group of talented RF communications engineers, systems engineers, computer scientists, systems analysts, data analysts, mathematicians, physicists and technical leaders. We apply innovative solutions to real-world National Defense challenges, leverage analytical proficiencies to collect and characterize real-world C3 communications systems and mission performance, and develop, execute, and evaluate austere mission scenarios through robust and sophisticated modeling and simulation.

We are seeking dedicated engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and analysts who are motivated to apply acquired skills and knowledge, learn new techniques, methodologies, and processes, and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team responsible for solving complex problems that are crucial to the defense of our nation.

As a member of our team, you may be...

• Researching solutions for secure, robust, and resilient C3 solutions to support crucial missions of national security
• Developing system-of-systems models of critical C3 platforms with related mission activities to perform analysis
• Designing, developing, and testing next-generation resilient networks and communications systems using modern and innovative technology solutions
• Designing and developing modeling and simulation software tools to perform mission engineering studies
• Evaluating operational scenarios through modeling and simulation, data analysis, and laboratory testing
• Participating in field testing activities of C3 systems and platforms, laboratory testing of communications hardware, collecting and post-processing data, analyzing and presenting findings to stakeholders
• Performing performance evaluations of communications hardware for C3 platforms such as bombers, submarines, and launch control facilities

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or other related technical degree
• Are skilled in writing software in C/C++/C#, Java, Python, R, Rust, MATLAB or other programming languages.
• Can work effectively both independently and in teams and possess strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level clearance by your start date and can ultimately be able to acquire 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...

• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of Systems Engineering or Digital Engineering and familiar with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)/SysML tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, Enterprise Architect or others
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of wireless communications systems and IP-based networking
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of full stack development and/or developing software in a Linux/Windows environment following current best practices in several of the following languages: C, C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, MATLAB
• Have familiarity with modeling and simulation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, analysis, monte-carlo simulation, test and evaluation.
• Have familiarity with laboratory test equipment such as RF spectrum analyzers and signal generators.
• Hold an active US Security clearance.

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