2027 Internship - Advanced Networking Technologies

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites students pursuing BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields to join our QKT network engineering internship. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design, build, and evaluate complex networks in lab and field environments.

The role may involve software development, hardware integration, and testing, with opportunities to work on rapid prototyping and system integration

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical degree.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a team and project manager, including experience with technical writing and presentations and providing periodic status reports.
• Self-motivated and can work effectively on a team and work independently when needed.
• Interest in networking technologies, software development, and/or communication systems.
• Willingness to work hands-on in a lab environment, willingness to perform tests and evaluations in the lab and the field.
• Have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and are ultimately able to obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.

Responsibilities

• Researching solutions for secure communications in support of national security or civilian and military healthcare.
• Designing, developing, and testing software as part of user interfaces, network protocols, evaluation tools, and more.
• Developing wired and wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network technology, designs, and architectures.
• Evaluating operational networks through experimentation, analysis, lab testing, field testing activities, post-processing data, and presenting findings to sponsors.

Skills

Networking technologies

Software development

Communication

Lab work

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering/Computer Science or related

Tools

iPerf

Wireshark

Nmap

Python

JavaScript

Java

C++

C

Bash

Linux

Job description

Do you have an interest in researching communications and network engineering?

Are you searching for meaningful internship experience to solve critical communications challenges involving the defense of the US?

If you are enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's degree, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another related technical degree and want to have internship experience in developing solutions for networking challenges, we would love to have you join our team!

In our QKT network engineering team, we seek dedicated intern engineers and scientists eagerto learn new skills as you join a hardworking multi-disciplinary team responsible for problem-solving, designing, and developing solutions for the government. As an intern, you will work alongside a team of engineers to design, build, and characterize complex networks supporting various mission areas. Individuals may work on teams supporting rapid prototyping, testing and evaluation, research and development, and system integration. In addition, there will be potential opportunities for software development, hardware design and integration, and testing and evaluation in both lab and field testing environments.

As a member of our team, you may be:

• Researching solutions for secure communications in support of national security or civilian and military healthcare.
• Designing, developing, and testing software as part of user interfaces, network protocols, evaluation tools, and more.
• Developing wired and wireless Internet Protocol (IP) network technology, designs, and architectures.
• Evaluating operational networks through experimentation, analysis, laboratory testing, field testing activities, post-processing data, and presenting the findings to sponsors.

We strive to cultivate an environment of collaboration, innovation, and application, and we would love to have you on our team!

Qualifications

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

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical degree.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a team and project manager, including experience with technical writing and presentations and providing periodic status reports.
• Self-motivated and can work effectively on a team and work independently when needed.
• Interest in networking technologies, software development, and/or communication systems.
• Willingness to work hands-on in a lab environment, willingness to perform tests and evaluations in the lab and the field.
• Have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and are ultimately able to obtain a Top Secret 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 knowledge of computer network technologies including...
  • An understanding of networking technologies to include protocols and hardware (e.g., routers and switches).
  • Experience inspecting and evaluating network topologies, traffic flows, and packet structure using tools such as iPerf, Wireshark, and Nmap.
• Have knowledge of software development including...
  • A strong understanding of modern software development practices and tools, including: version control systems, issue trackers, and test frameworks.
  • Experience developing in a Linux environment with several of the following languages: Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, C, Bash.
• Have knowledge of communication systems including...
  • Knowledge of wireless technologies such as satellite communications, 5G (and beyond) cellular communications, or High Frequency radio.
• Hold an active Top Secret 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

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly