2027 Internship – Electrical & Computer Engineer - Miniature Device 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) seeks a student or early-career engineer to advance miniature wireless systems. You will contribute to design, implementation, and test of low-power ASICs, embedded software, and board-level integration for field-ready solutions.

You will evaluate prototypes, modify subsystems based on results, and document findings for sponsors. Applicants should be pursuing relevant degrees and be capable of obtaining security clearances.

Qualifications

• Pursuing degree in EE/CE/Physics/Math
• GPA 3.0/4.0 or higher
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date
• Experience with lab equipment and data sheets

Responsibilities

• Assist in development of miniature wireless systems including ASICs, embedded software, and PCB integration
• Evaluate prototype devices through laboratory testing and verify performance
• Modify subsystems based on test results and evolving requirements
• Document work in formal reports and present findings to sponsors

Skills

Lab equipment

C/C++

Embedded software

DSP

Python

MATLAB

Verilog/VHDL

RF systems

PCB design

Communication

Education

Pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics

Tools

Altium

Eagle

KiCad

Mentor Graphics

Job description

Do you want to apply your college experiences to solve hard problems with real-world applications? Are you passionate about working with collaborative and dedicated teams to move ideas to prototypes and solving technical challenges with real impact? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join the Miniature Device Technologies group at APL! The Miniature Device Technologies Group develops highly customized tools and techniques required to carry out missions around the globe. We leverage our capabilities in mixed-signal application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit board (PCB), embedded software, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and signal processing design to create ultra-small, low-power solutions that exceed comparable commercial alternatives. This capability set provides the end user with a distinct advantage when conducting low-profile radio frequency (RF) communications, electronic countermeasures, and field-forward sensing. The boutique nature of these solutions, which reside between pure research and production, allow us to continually pursue new designs while still seeing our work used operationally.

As a member of our group, you will:

• Assist in the development of miniature wireless systems through contributions to the design, implementation and test of low power ASICs, embedded software applications, and board-level integration
• Support evaluation of prototype devices and systems through laboratory testing. Develop and execute test plans to verify system performance. Identify and resolve challenging issues through active debugging.
• Participate in field evaluation of applications. Rapidly modify relevant subsystem according to test results and in response to evolving technical and operational requirements
• Document work in formal technical reports and informal memoranda. Present work to sponsors and the technical community

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

• Are pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Math, or a similar major
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Possess strong communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and within multi‑organizational teams
• Have hands‑on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers)
• Can read and reference datasheets to identify appropriate parts and implement or confirm operation
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Designing or executing automated test procedures for hardware (board-level functional tests, ASIC validation, system integration tests)
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) concepts (controlling embedded targets from host scripts, simulating sensor/actuator interfaces, using automated setups to validate system behavior)
  • Digital signal processing (familiarity with MATLAB or Python modeling, communication systems, detection and estimation theory)
  • PCBs (component selection, schematic, layout, board level integration, test)
  • RF systems (antennas, impedance matching, characterization, test)
  • Coding in real-time embedded systems (C/C++)
  • Digital logic design using hardware description languages (Verilog, VHDL)
  • Analog/Digital ASIC (verification, layout, mixed-signal simulation, backend, design)
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have experience with:

• Developing hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) test benches that integrate simulation models with real hardware.
• Using automated test frameworks or infrastructure (e.g., pytest, NI TestStand, CI-based hardware regression, or custom Python/LabView/MATLAB code) to validate ASICs, PCBs, or embedded systems.
• Designing or using custom test fixtures, load boards, or probe cards for device characterization and production test.
• Printed circuit board schematic & layout tools such as Altium, Eagle, KiCAD, or Mentor
• Highly integrated low size, weight, and power (SWaP) devices
• FPGA-based implementation of signal processing algorithms, especially in resource-constrained embedded systems
• Software-defined radio architectures and commercial transceiver chip interfaces
• Characterizing RF circuits using lab equipment like spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and/or network analyzers
• Multiple of the following protocols: RS-232, SPI, CAN, I²C, UART, Ethernet, USB
• Common IOT communication frameworks LoRa, Bluetooth Classic or Low Energy, 802.11 family
• Memory safe languages like Rust on embedded platforms
• Embedded Linux using toolchains like Yocto, Buildroot, or PetaLinux
• ASIC design software from Cadence, Synopsys, Siemens
• Any circuit or electromagnetic design software such as SPICE, ADS, Microwave Office, and HFSS

About Us

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