2027 Graduate - Radar Engineering/Analyst/Physics

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, is looking for motivated graduates in Electrical Engineering or Physics to contribute to sensor technology for the U.S. Navy. This role involves working on radar, RF, and signal-processing research, delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Key responsibilities include analyzing tactical sensor data, developing algorithms, and collaborating with a diverse team. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and some familiarity with Python or MATLAB.

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Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or similar technical field.
• Familiar with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of signal processing and electromagnetic theory.
• Must obtain Interim Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical-sensor data to deliver solutions.
• Build and apply M&S tools and machine-learning algorithms.
• Develop simulations for radar and electronic warfare performance.
• Troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance.

Skills

Signal processing

Electromagnetic theory

Python

MATLAB

Machine learning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, ECE, Physics, or similar

Tools

Git

GitLab

Jira

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 M&S 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—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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, or a similar technical field.
• 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.

Go Above & Beyond

• 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.

Compensation

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].