2027 PhD Graduate - Distributed Tactical Awareness

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and computer scientists to advance warfighter capabilities through research and development in distributed decision-making and sensor fusion.

As part of the Distributed Tactical Awareness and Decision-Making group, you will analyze data from live tests, prototype tactical algorithms, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams. U.S. citizenship and security clearances are required.

Qualifications

• PhD required in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
• Proficiency in C++, Java, Python, MATLAB or similar.
• Ability to apply mathematics, especially probability and statistics.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to obtain Interim Secret clearance and ultimately Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Understand and improve algorithms underpinning sensor data fusion, combat planning, management, and optimization decisions.
• Simulate scenarios to assess system performance and identify improvement areas.
• Parse warfighter needs from literature to prototype tactical algorithms.
• Analyze data from live test events to inform engineering decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams and share work internally and externally.
• Occasional visits to Navy ships and collaboration with sailors and warfighters.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

MATLAB

Education

PhD or equivalent Doctorate in Engineering/Mathematics/Physics/Computer Science

Job description

Description

Do you have an analytical mind and a strong sense of curiosity?

Are you motivated by defending our nation against air, ballistic missile, and hypersonic threats?

Do you want to understand the math, physics, and algorithms that underpin tactical systems in order to quantitatively assess, improve, and innovate warfighting capabilities?

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

The U.S. Navy and Joint Forces face increasingly dangerous and complex threats, including autonomous vehicles, sophisticated anti-ship missiles, and ballistic missiles. To defend sailors and marines from these threats, we in the Distributed Tactical Awareness and Decision-Making Group work to solve command and control challenges related to sensor integration, information fusion, and distributed kill chains. We are seeking engineers, physicists, mathematicians, and computer scientists to join our team to research, develop, and analyze innovative solutions to emerging warfighter challenges.

As a new member of the Distributed Tactical Awareness and Decision-Making group, you will

• Seek to understand and improve algorithms underpinning sensor data fusion, combat planning, management, and optimization decisions, and weapon system employment
• Simulate scenarios to assess system performance and identify areas for improvement
• Parse warfighter needs in conjunction with scholarly literature to prototype tactical algorithms
• Analyze data from live test events to directly inform engineering decisions
• Collaborate with cross disciplinary teams and share your work both externally and internally
• Have opportunities to visit Navy ships and to work with sailors, officers, and other warfighters

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a PhD or equivalent Doctorate degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or equivalent
• Are proficient with C++, Java, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages
• Are comfortable applying mathematics, especially probability and statistics
• Like to work both independently and as part of a team
• Have good written and oral communication skills
• 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.

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

• Have a background in physics (RF physics and/or Optics preferred)
• Have experience with Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, or tracking
• Have worked with machine learning methods and algorithms
• Hold an active SECRET (or above) 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
$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually