2027 Graduate - Engineer - Space Science Electronics

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, seeks an engineer to design analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronics for space flight instruments. You will contribute to FPGA and embedded software development, assemble and test hardware, and verify performance against requirements.

You will work across the instrument lifecycle, prepare design docs and procedures, and collaborate with engineers and scientists from multiple disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering or closely related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and success in team environments.
• Strong technical experience demonstrated via internship, research, or project outside the classroom.
• Familiarity with schematic capture and circuit simulation tools.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (5%).
• Willingness to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
• Able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronics for space flight instruments.
• Contribute to FPGA and embedded software development for instrument electronics.
• Assemble, integrate, and test electronic hardware and instrument subsystems.
• Conduct laboratory testing, debug hardware and software, and verify performance against requirements and specifications.
• Contribute throughout the instrument lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through integration and environmental testing.
• Prepare design documentation, test procedures, technical reports, and presentations.
• Work closely with engineers and scientists in other disciplines and expertise.
• Present technical work, incorporate feedback, and support peer reviews throughout development.
• Follow established engineering processes, quality standards, and configuration management practices for flight hardware.
• Learn from experienced engineers while developing technical depth in space instrumentation and electronics design.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Schematic capture familiarity

Circuit simulation tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering

Master's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering

Tools

Schematic capture tools

Circuit simulation tools

Job description

Responsibilities

As an engineer in the space science electronics group, you will:

• Assist in the design of analog, digital, and mixed-signal electronics for space flight instruments.
• Contribute to FPGA and embedded software development for instrument electronics.
• Assemble, integrate, and test electronic hardware and instrument subsystems.
• Conduct laboratory testing, debug hardware and software, and verify performance against requirements and specifications.
• Contribute throughout the instrument lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through integration and environmental testing.
• Prepare design documentation, test procedures, technical reports, and presentations.
• Work closely with engineers and scientists in other disciplines and expertise.
• Present technical work, incorporate feedback, and support peer reviews throughout development.
• Follow established engineering processes, quality standards, and configuration management practices for flight hardware.
• Learn from experienced engineers while developing technical depth in space instrumentation and electronics design.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering or a closely related field.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
• Have strong technical experience as demonstrated in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
• Have familiarity with schematic capture and circuit simulation tools
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to facilities and sub-contractor sites.
• Are willing and able to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
• Able to ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security 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'd go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have…

• A Master's degree in electrical, computer, or software engineering (or a closely related field).
• Experience working on electrical hardware design and development.
• Relevant space flight hardware experience.
• Leadership and organizational capabilities.
• An active Secret or Top Secret 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