2027 Graduate - Radar Engineering/Analyst/Physics

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 is seeking motivated graduates in Electrical Engineering or related fields to work on advanced sensor technology. You will engage in RF, radar, and signal processing research to support national defense initiatives.

This role involves analyzing sensor data, developing simulations, and collaborating with a cross-disciplinary team. Candidates should have familiarity with Python or MATLAB and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, or a similar technical field.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools.
• Strong understanding of signal processing and/or electromagnetic theory.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance and meet citizenship requirements.

Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross-disciplinary team.
• Develop physics-based simulations for radar and EW system performance.
• Build modeling and simulation tools and machine-learning algorithms.
• Identify and troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Signal processing

Electromagnetic theory

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Are you energized by the idea of shaping sensor technology that safeguards our nation at sea and on land? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking highly motivated Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates in Electrical Engineering (EE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Physics, or a similar STEM technical degree, who are eager to dive into advanced Radio Frequency (RF), radar, and signal processing research and grow into the next generation of technical leaders for the U.S. Navy and other Department of War (DoW) sponsors. You will work in areas including leading‑edge RF propagation, RF phenomenology, digital signal processing, advanced sensor arrays/systems, wide‑area‑surveillance networks, currently fielded, and next‑generation systems.

Why Join Us

• Mission‑Driven Impact: Contribute directly to the development and fielding of next‑generation Navy Radar/EO/IR, electronic warfare, and land‑based cruise missile defense sensor networks that protect service members against the world’s toughest threats.
• Cutting‑Edge Innovation: Work with physics‑based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced data analysis, and machine‑learning techniques to create innovative sensor performance tools.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of sensor engineers, RF propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat system engineers, and physicists—all focused on solving complex, mission‑critical problems.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross‑disciplinary team to deliver mission‑driven solutions.
• Identify and solve problems that impact mission requirements.
• Build and apply modeling and simulation tools, data‑analysis platforms, and machine‑learning algorithms to large data sets; develop novel algorithms that solve real‑world problems.
• Develop and refine physics‑based simulations that provide new insight into radar, EO/IR, and electronic warfare system performance in realistic operational environments.
• Develop novel instrumentation and algorithms for understanding RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signal measurements.
• Identify emergent phenomenology, troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance, and work with a broad network of experts—including prime contractors, government labs, RF propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat system engineers, and physicists—to deliver integrated solutions.
• Develop and apply skills in machine learning, signal processing, and data science techniques to unprecedented real‑world challenges.
• Develop and apply skills that advance the state of the art in our core technology areas: signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary‑layer meteorology.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, or a similar technical field.
• Have some familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent, or have had some exposure to modern development process (git, GitLab, Jira, or equivalent).
• Have a strong foundational understanding of signal processing, and/or electromagnetic theory (e.g., antenna systems, microwave transmission, RF propagation).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/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 a Master’s or multiple technical degrees, including minors, in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics or a similar technical field.
• Have radar or RF research experience (hardware, antennas, remote sensing, tracking, etc.).
• Have an understanding of, and interest in, application of machine learning and data science, to sensor‑related problems.
• Have internship experience related to DoW research, DoW contractors, or the advanced‑technology industry.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually

EEO Statement

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].