2027 Internship - Radio Frequency (RF) Systems Test Engineer - Electronic Warfare

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks curious interns to contribute to the development, analysis, testing, and evaluation of electronic warfare capabilities. You’ll work alongside engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and scientists to gain hands‑on experience in RF systems, hardware prototyping, modeling, simulation, and test and evaluation.

This internship covers lab and field testing, data analysis, and technical communication, with opportunities to present findings to staff

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS/MS/PhD in a technical field such as Electrical/Computer Engineering, CS, Physics, or Math.
• Interest in RF systems, communications, signal processing, software, or data analysis.
• Strong communication and ability to work with technical teams.
• Experience with at least one programming language or computing environment.
• Willingness to learn new concepts; ability to obtain security clearance if required.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and submission of transcripts when requested.

Responsibilities

• Model, analyze, develop, integrate, and test RF and EW systems.
• Build software, simulations, or data-analysis tools applying engineering principles.
• Gain experience with lab systems including SDRs, antennas, embedded gear, spectrum analyzers.
• Support lab and field testing, analyze data, and communicate results to the team.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Science

Physics

Mathematics

Tools

FPGAs

Software-defined radios

Embedded systems

Job description

Description

Are you interested in applying what you have learned in school in a driven, collaborative environment?

Are you curious about electronic warfare (EW), radio frequency (RF) systems, national security, and having a real-world engineering impact?

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

We are seeking curious and collaborative interns to contribute to the development, analysis, testing, and evaluation of current and next generation electronic warfare capabilities. Projects span many aspects of RF systems development and deployment, including RF hardware prototyping, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, operational readiness, and reliability analysis.

Interns will work alongside engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and scientists to gain experience across the development and evaluation process. This may include early analysis, simulation, laboratory testing, field testing, and technical communication. Our team values curiosity, collaboration, applied learning, and clear communication. Interns will also have opportunities to share their work through briefings with technical staff and project leaders!

As an Electronic Warfare Systems intern, you will engage with our staff to...

• Model, analyze, develop, integrate, and test RF and EW systems.
• Build software, algorithms, simulations, or data-analysis tools by applying principles from communications, signal processing, RF engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science.
• Gain experience with laboratory systems that may include software-defined radios, antennas, embedded systems, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and hardware-in-the-loop test environments.
• Support laboratory and field testing, analyze data, and communicate technical findings to the team.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have one or more of the following…

• Are pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Are interested in RF systems, communications, signal processing, software, modeling and simulation, hardware, test and evaluation, or data analysis.
• Have strong communication skills and work effectively with technical team members and leaders.
• Have applied technical skills through coursework, research, projects, internships, or related activities.
• Have experience with at least one programming language or technical computing environment.
• Are willing to learn new math, physics, engineering, and computing concepts as needed for your work.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have coursework, research, project, internship, or other experience with RF systems, communications, digital signal processing, radar, embedded systems, modeling and simulation, software development, or test and evaluation.
• Have experience programming in MATLAB, Python, C, C++, or a similar language.
• Have experience working with RF and electronics hardware such as software-defined radios, FPGAs, microcontrollers, antennas, or laboratory test equipment.
• Hold an active 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

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly