2027 Graduate - Software Developer or RF Systems Engineer

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 engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and physicists to advance radar, RF systems, and signal processing for critical national security missions in Laurel, MD.

You will contribute to software development, modeling, simulations, and hardware integration across the system development lifecycle in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that values initiative and rigorous testing against evidence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a technical field.
• Programming experience in C++, Python, Java, MATLAB or similar.
• Foundational knowledge in software development, computer systems, OS, or networking.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to understand operational needs and formulate technical problems.
• Develop software, models, algorithms, analysis tools, experiments, or prototypes.
• Use data from simulations and real-world tests to evaluate performance and guide development.
• Communicate findings clearly through code, documentation, discussions, and reports.

Skills

C++

Python

Java

MATLAB

Linux

Embedded systems

Networking

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in electrical engineering

Bachelor's or Master's in computer engineering

Bachelor's or Master's in computer science

Bachelor's or Master's in software engineering

Bachelor's or Master's in mathematics/physics

Tools

version control

CI/CD

simulation tools

Job description

Description

Are you interested in developing software or advancing radar and radio-frequency systems for critical national security challenges?

Do you enjoy understanding how complex systems work, testing ideas against evidence, and turning technical concepts into useful capabilities?

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

We are a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and software developers who advance electromagnetic and computer-system capabilities for critical national security missions, with a primary focus on maritime applications. Our work spans radar, electronic warfare (EW), RF communications and propagation, remote sensing, signal and image processing, software development, modeling and simulation, and technical prototyping.

We bring domain experts, analysts, algorithm developers, and software engineers together to carry ideas from initial analysis and concept development through implementation, integration, test, and evaluation. We are seeking engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and physicists with strong technical fundamentals who want to contribute in one or both of the areas described below.

We value people who ask thoughtful questions, take initiative when the path forward is not obvious, test assumptions against evidence, seek out expertise when needed, and follow through to technically sound, useful results. The breadth of our work provides opportunities to build deep expertise, contribute across adjacent disciplines, and grow into technical or project leadership.

As a member of our team, you will...

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to understand operational needs, formulate technical problems, and develop practical approaches.
• Develop software, models, algorithms, analysis tools, experiments, or prototypes appropriate to the problem.
• Use simulated, laboratory, and real-world data to understand system behavior, evaluate performance, and guide further development.
• Contribute across multiple stages of the development lifecycle and clearly communicate your work through code, documentation, technical discussions, presentations, and reports.

Depending on your background, interests, and project needs, your work may emphasize one or both of the following areas:

Software Development

• Design, implement, test, document, and maintain software applications, analysis tools, and technical prototypes.
• Develop software that processes sensor data, supports modeling and simulation, or interfaces with hardware, networks, and distributed systems.
• Apply an understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, networks, protocols, and software behavior to understand how complex systems communicate, perform, and fail and to improve their security and resilience.
• Work closely with algorithm developers and domain experts to mature technical concepts and research prototypes into reliable, maintainable, and efficient software.

RF Systems Engineering

• Analyze and model radar, communications, EW, remote-sensing, propagation, and other RF systems.
• Develop and evaluate signal-processing algorithms for detection, estimation, tracking, classification, and other sensor-data exploitation problems.
• Use modeling, simulation, laboratory experiments, and field data to characterize system performance, understand limitations, and evaluate new concepts.
• Develop technical prototypes and support algorithm, software, and hardware integration, test, and evaluation.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, mathematics, physics, or another closely related technical field.
• Have programming experience through coursework, research, employment, or independent projects using languages such as C++, Python, Java, MATLAB, or similar.
• Have a technical foundation in at least one of the following:
  • software development, computer systems, operating systems, or networking; or
  • electromagnetics, RF systems, communications, signal processing, or the mathematical or physical foundations underlying these areas.
• Have demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to apply technical fundamentals to unfamiliar problems.
• Can work independently, collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and communicate technical ideas clearly.
• Are willing and able to work in closed-area facilities.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have completed an internship, capstone, thesis, research effort, independent project, or other substantial technical activity related to one or more of the areas described above.
• Have experience with software-development or system-level computing practices such as object-oriented or systems programming, Linux, version control, automated testing, debugging, continuous integration, performance optimization, computer networking, embedded systems, or distributed systems.
• Have coursework or project experience involving electromagnetics, radar, RF systems, communications, EW, propagation, antennas, remote sensing, or signal processing.
• Have experience with modeling and simulation, scientific computing, numerical methods, data analysis, machine learning, or algorithm development.
• Have experience integrating software with sensors, hardware, networks, laboratory equipment, or other real-world systems, or evaluating technical approaches through experiments, field tests, or benchmarking.
• Have demonstrated initiative, follow-through, or emerging leadership by defining next steps, coordinating with others, seeking out needed expertise, and carrying an open-ended technical effort to completion.
• Hold an active Secret, Top Secret, or higher-level 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