2027 PhD Graduate - Rotational Discovery Program

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

Benefits offered by this job

Two-year rotational program

On-site facilities

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks PhD graduates to join the Discovery Program, a two-year rotational experience across defense, cyber, and national security domains. The program starts between May and July 2027 and offers exposure to multiple technical areas with hands-on experience.

Selected candidates will develop skills through targeted training, mentorship, and collaboration with experts, contributing to critical challenges for U.S. government agencies.

Qualifications

• PhD in STEM required or imminent graduation.
• Minimum GPA 3.5 on 4.0 scale; transcripts may be requested.
• Strong technical experience demonstrated through internships, research, or projects.
• Demonstrated initiative in technical projects or activities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a varied set of projects across multiple technical areas.
• Collaborate with technical experts to drive impact.
• Accelerate technical and professional development through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
• Innovate through the Innovation Challenge Project by designing and pitching a solution.

Skills

Research experience

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Leadership experience

Interpersonal communication

Adaptability

Education

PhD in STEM

Job description

Description

Do you love to solve complex engineering, analytical, or research problems?

Are you interested in exploring different domains such as defense systems, undersea warfare, cyber operations, and national security analysis?

If you are a recent or soon‑to‑be graduate with a PhD in a STEM field and a desire to make critical contributions to critical challenges, we’d love to have you join our team!

We are seeking talented and highly motivated early career technical staff members to join the Discovery Program, APL’s two‑year rotational program. The program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable experience across multiple technical areas. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while exploring a breadth of professional interests. You will apply innovative solutions to our nation’s critical challenges, collaborate with experts, and develop a strong foundation for your career.

Selected candidates must have the ability to begin the Discovery Program between May and July 2027. Specific start dates will be coordinated based on degree completion, organizational needs, and onboarding schedules.

As a member of the Discovery Program, you will…

• Contribute to a varied set of projects, employing and honing a wide range of skills to meet unique mission needs.
• Collaborate with technical experts to drive impact.
• Accelerate your technical and professional development through targeted training, mentorship, and hands‑on experience.
• Innovate through a dedicated Innovation Challenge Project, where you’ll design and pitch a solution to a complex technical problem.

Common disciplines and example technical areas:

• Electrical Engineering
  • signal processing, telecommunications, control systems, RF and electromagnetics, electrical systems, instrumentation
• Computer Science/Computer Engineering
  • software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, networking, data science, modeling and simulation, embedded systems, artificial intelligence
• Mathematics
  • statistics, data science, data analysis, modeling and simulation, numerical analysis, algorithm development, operations research
• Physics
  • data analysis, algorithm development, optics and photonics, environmental physics, experimental physics
• Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
  • modeling and simulation, mechanical design, thermodynamics and heat transfer, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, mechatronics, dynamics and controls
• Systems Engineering
  • software engineering, digital engineering, model‑based systems engineering, modeling and simulation

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Are able to provide unofficial or official transcripts during the application process.
• Have strong technical experience, as proven through demonstrated impact in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
• Have demonstrated initiative that has enabled excellence in technical projects, professional experiences, or extracurricular activities.
• Thrive in a collaborative team environment with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have demonstrated the ability to quickly contribute to projects in technical areas that are new to you.
• Are interested in solving complex research, engineering, and/or analytical problems that present critical challenges to U.S. government agencies including the Department of War.
• Are comfortable conducting work in support of the Department of War, including offensive military systems.
• Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire 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 engaged in multiple internships, research experiences, or projects outside of the classroom.
• Have leadership experience.

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].

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually