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

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Computer Scientist and Researcher to join a prototyping team focused on software research for warfighter capabilities. You will work directly with warfighters to take concepts from concept to operational use in a highly collaborative, autonomous environment.

Responsibilities include devising algorithms across several engineering fields and performing prototype analysis with potential transitions to government or industry.

Qualifications

• Earned a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Expert in signal processing, computer vision, data science, data visualization, or radar detection and tracking.
• Able to travel to government/military facilities including deployments on Navy ships and aircraft.
• Eligible for Interim Secret and then Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Research, propose, and develop concepts to solve critical military operational shortfalls as part of an established team with proven capabilities.
• Design algorithms and implement proof-of-concept prototypes spanning signal processing, computer vision, real-time computing, radar theory, data fusion, and visualization.
• Conduct prototype analysis and evaluation including field operations at military facilities and support transitions to government or industry.

Skills

Signal processing

Computer vision

Data science

Data visualization

Radar detection and tracking

C++

Java

Typescript

Education

PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Computer Engineering

PhD in Physics

Job description

Description

Are you an expert in computer science with enthusiasm for using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges?

Do you have an interest in envisioning and developing software solutions for new warfighter capabilities?

If you are graduating with a PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering and want to work in software research and development, we'd love to have you join our close-knit prototyping team! We build capabilities that enable warfighters to harness an assorted set of sensors and data sources to accomplish a variety of missions that are important to the defense of our nation.

Our team is committed to working directly with warfighters to craft solutions from concept to operational use. We strive to foster a broadly focused environment that is highly collaborative and supportive, but also encourages autonomy. Our team values are putting the warfighter and their missions first, accepting that you might not get it right the first time, but being resolved to see it through, and being dedicated to making real impact.

As a Computer Scientist and Researcher, you will...

• Research, propose, and develop concepts to solve unaddressed, critical military operational shortfalls as a member of an established team that has fielded numerous highly regarded capabilities. Subject areas differ widely over time, but our current projects focus on improving the exploitation of airborne and ground based sensor data through object tracking, multi-sensor correlation, data management, and operational data display as well as on intelligent networks, resilient autonomy, and non-kinetic warfare integration.
• Devise algorithms and perform system design and software implementation of proof-of-concept prototypes incorporating several engineering fields: 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.

Qualifications

• Earned a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics or a related field.
• Are an expert in signal processing, computer vision, data science, data visualization, or radar detection and tracking.
• Can occasionally travel and work at government and military facilities, including underway on US Navy ships and aircraft requiring work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret to start and then a Secret level security clearance some time after your 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.

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

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

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually