2027 Graduate - Software/Electrical/Computer Engineer - Advanced RF Capabilities

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks graduates in computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering to join a multidisciplinary team working on advanced communications and sensing. You will develop embedded software, GUI tools, and hardware for RF systems, spanning prototype to fielded capability.

The role emphasizes collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and security clearance readiness within a national security context.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or related field.
• Proficient in C/C++, C#, Java, or Rust; scripting with MATLAB or Python.
• Interested in analog/RF and high-speed digital circuits, embedded systems or FPGA software.
• Comfortable working in small multidisciplinary teams to design, integrate, test, and troubleshoot complex systems.
• Knowledgeable of lab test equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and vector network analyzers.
• Able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by start date; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software and firmware for custom-designed and commercially available processors, system-on-chip devices, and FPGAs.
• Develop software applications, graphical user interfaces, and web-based tools to configure, control, visualize, and interact with RF signals and systems.
• Design custom hardware, including analog, RF, and high-speed digital electronics.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement novel signal-processing algorithms for RF communication and signal collection.
• Integrate and test hardware and software into end-to-end systems.
• Participate in field evaluation of systems and engage with sponsors to solve tough problems.

Skills

C/C++

C#

Java

Rust

MATLAB

Python

Embedded systems

FPGAs

Analog/RF design

High-speed digital

Lab equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Power supplies

Schematic tools

Job description

Do you love working collaboratively to build novel solutions that take a design from concept to fielded capability while solving real-world problems?

Are you looking for engaging and impactful work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, learning, breadth, and growth?

If you are graduating with a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering and want to work in advanced communications and sensing, we'd love to have you join our team!

We develop end-to-end communications systems from prototype to product to address challenging national security problems. We seek graduates who can work with highly collaborative teams to develop and deliver impactful capabilities for the special operations and intelligence community. Our systems bring together custom electronics, FPGAs, embedded systems, software applications, and signal processing to enable planning and decision making in domains such as signal intelligence, cyber operations, and specialized communications. You'll join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists who foster an open, collaborative work environment to solve complex problems.

As an engineer on our team, you might...

• Develop embedded software and firmware for custom-designed and commercially available processors, system-on-chip devices, and FPGAs.
• Develop software applications, graphical user interfaces, and web-based tools that enable users to configure, control, visualize, and interact with complex RF signals and systems.
• Design custom hardware, including analog, RF, and high-speed digital electronics.
• Develop, evaluate, and implement novel signal-processing algorithms for RF communication and signal collection.
• Integrate and test hardware and software into end-to-end systems.
• Participate in field evaluation of systems and applications and engage with sponsors to understand and solve tough problems.

Qualifications

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

• Graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or related field.
• Familiar with programming in C/C++, C#, Java, or Rust and scripting with MATLAB or Python
• Interested in designing analog/RF and high-speed digital circuits, working with embedded systems or FPGAs, or developing software applications for these systems.
• Comfortable working in small, multidisciplinary teams to design, integrate, test, and troubleshoot complex systems.
• Knowledgeable of laboratory test equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and vector network analyzers.
• Able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by yoiur start date. 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.

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