2027 PhD Graduate – Computer Scientist – Tactical System Prototyping and Deployment

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Education assistance and training

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Computer Scientist and Researcher to join a tight prototyping team. The role focuses on envisioning and developing software for warfighter capabilities through sensor data exploitation and intelligent network integration.

Responsibilities include developing prototypes with signal processing, computer vision, real‑time computing, radar theory, georegistration, data fusion, and visualization, plus field operations and transitions to government

Qualifications

• PhD required in CS/CE/Physics or related field.
• Expertise in signal processing, computer vision, data science, data visualization, or radar detection/tracking.
• Ability to travel to U.S. government/military facilities, including aboard Navy ships and aircraft.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance, followed by Secret; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Research, propose, and develop concepts to address military operational shortfalls as part of an established prototyping team.
• Design and implement proof‑of‑concept software: signal/video processing, computer vision, real‑time computing, radar theory, georegistration, data fusion, visualization.
• Conduct prototype analysis/evaluation and support transitions of capabilities to government or industry.

Skills

Signal processing

Computer vision

Data science

Data visualization

Radar detection and tracking

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

C++

Java

TypeScript

Job description

Role Summary

We are seeking a Computer Scientist and Researcher to join our close‑knit prototyping team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The primary focus is to envision and develop software solutions that enhance warfighter capabilities through advanced sensor data exploitation and intelligent network integration.

Responsibilities

• Research, propose, and develop concepts to address critical military operational shortfalls as part of an established team that has fielded numerous highly regarded capabilities.
• Devise algorithms and perform system design and software implementation of proof‑of‑concept prototypes incorporating signal/video processing, computer vision, real‑time computing, radar theory, georegistration, data fusion, and visualization.
• Conduct prototype analysis and evaluation, including experimental operations at military facilities, and support transitions of capabilities to government or industry.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Expertise in signal processing, computer vision, data science, data visualization, or radar detection and tracking.
• Ability to travel and work at U.S. government and military facilities, including work aboard U.S. Navy ships and aircraft, often beyond normal working hours.
• Eligibility to obtain an Interim Secret clearance, followed by a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with complex software development and knowledge of C++, Java, or TypeScript in a Linux/Unix environment.
• Track record of applying computer science/software development expertise to emerging challenges.
• Interest and initiative to grow into a leadership position.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ($105,000–$245,000 annually) based on experience and location. • Comprehensive benefits package including retirement contributions, health, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, and paid time off. • Education assistance and training and development programs. • Relocation assistance, locality allowances, and sign‑on bonus options for qualified candidates.

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, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or familial status, or political opinion. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

Salary Range

Minimum Rate: $105,000 annually
Maximum Rate: $245,000 annually