2027 PhD Graduate - Radar, Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Data Science

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits including education assistance

Flexible work/life balance

Vibrant workplace culture

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is looking for enthusiastic PhD graduates in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or similar to advance sensor technology for national defense. Ideal candidates will be involved in innovative research in RF and signal processing.

This position offers a competitive salary range from $105,000 to $245,000 annually and excellent benefits. Join a diverse team working on critical challenges for the U.S. Navy and other defense sponsors.

Qualifications

• PhD degree with a GPA above 3.5.
• Familiarity with Python or Matlab.
• Strong foundation in signal processing and/or electromagnetic theory.

Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross-disciplinary team.
• Identify and solve problems impacting mission requirements.
• Develop machine learning algorithms to solve real-world problems.

Skills

Signal processing

Electrical Engineering

Electromagnetics

Python

Matlab

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics or similar

Tools

Git

GitLab

Jira

Job description

Description

Are you energized by the idea of shaping sensor technology that safeguards our nation at sea and on land? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking highly motivated PhD graduates in Electrical Engineering (EE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Physics, or a similar STEM technical degree, who are eager to dive into advanced Radio Frequency (RF), radar, and signal processing research and grow into the next generation of technical leaders for the U.S. Navy and other Department of War (DoW) sponsors. You will work in areas including leading edge RF propagation, RF phenomenology, digital signal processing, new technology advanced sensor arrays/systems, wide-area-surveillance networks, currently fielded, and next generation systems.

Why Join Us

• MissionDriven Impact: Contribute directly to the development and fielding of nextgeneration Navy Radar/EO/IR, electronicwarfare, and landbased cruisemissiledefense sensor networks that protect service members against the world's toughest threats.
• CuttingEdge Innovation: Work with physicsbased modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced dataanalysis, and machinelearning techniques to create innovative sensorperformance tools.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of sensor engineers, RFpropagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combatsystem engineers, and physicists-all focused on solving complex, missioncritical problems.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross disciplinary team to deliver mission driven solutions.
• Identify and solve problems that impact mission requirements.
• Build and apply M&S tools, dataanalysis platforms, and machinelearning algorithms to large data sets; develop novel algorithms that solve real-world problems.
• Develop and refine physicsbased simulations that provide new insight into radar, EO/IR, and electronicwarfare system performance in realistic operational environments.
• Develop novel instrumentation and algorithms for understanding RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signal measurements.
• Identify emergent phenomenology, troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance, and work with a broad network of experts-including prime contractors, government labs, RFpropagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combatsystem engineers, and physicists-to deliver integrated solutions.
• Develop and apply skills in machine learning, signal processing, and data science techniques to unprecedented real-world challenges.
• Develop and apply skills that advance the state of the art in our core technology areas: signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary-layer meteorology.

Qualifications

• Have a PhD degree in EE, ECE, Physics, or a similar technical field, with a GPA above 3.5.
• Some familiarity with Python, Matlab, or equivalent, or have had some exposure to modern development process (git, GitLab, Jira, or equivalent).
• Have a strong foundational understanding of signal processing, and/or electromagnetic theory (e.g., antenna systems, microwave transmission, RF propagation).
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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

• Also have cross-discipline technical degrees, including minors, in EE, ECE, CS, Physics in addition to a PhD.
• Have radar or RF research experience (hardware, antennas, remote sensing, tracking, etc.).
• Have an understanding of, and interest in, application of machine learning and data science, to sensor related problems.
• Have internship experience related to DoW research, DoW contractors, or the advanced-technology industry.

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually