Applied AI Researcher - Cyber Analysis and Exploitation

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Applied AI Researcher to advance AI/ML for cyber-physical systems used in defense and intelligence applications. You will lead small teams, architect innovative solutions, and transition capabilities to government sponsors and operators.

Expect to analyze technologies powering ISR, exploit vulnerabilities in hardware/software, and guide research directions that improve operator awareness and decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, AI, CE, EE, or related field.
• 3+ years in software engineering, cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, or related fields.
• Strong programming in Python, C/C++, Rust, with reliable tools development.
• Experience applying machine learning, LLMs, or agentic AI to extract insights.
• Ability to independently define technical approaches and drive to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication to engage sponsors and present findings.
• Citizenship with eligibility for Interim Top Secret clearance and Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop software systems for novel mission capabilities against cyber-physical systems.
• Apply AI/ML to automate operations and enable intelligent decisions.
• Lead R&D efforts by architecting solutions and mentoring teams.
• Identify emerging technologies and define new research directions for defense needs.
• Foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and mentor engineers.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Rust

Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / AI / CE / EE

Job description

Description

Curious about the technologies powering modern intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities?

Excited about using AI to accelerate the discovery, analysis, and exploitation of vulnerabilities in complex hardware and software systems?

Ready to lead small teams in turning cutting‑edge research into operational capabilities that help U.S. operators understand, disrupt, and defeat emerging threats?

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

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group is seeking an Applied AI Researcher with expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence to address critical challenges facing the defense and intelligence communities. Our group develops capabilities to analyze and exploit technologies that sense, communicate, and operate in the real world, such as cameras, drones, networking gear, mobile devices, and wearables. As these technologies become more pervasive and interconnected, the data and signals they generate offer new sources of intelligence, while their software and communications introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited to degrade or deny their operation. We turn these opportunities into practical capabilities that expand U.S. operators' awareness, access, and freedom of action.

As an Applied AI Researcher, you will...

• Develop software systems that create novel mission capabilities against complex cyber-physical systems and emerging technologies.
• Apply AI/ML to automate operations, accelerate analysis, enable intelligent decision-making, and deliver operational effects.
• Lead advanced research and development efforts by architecting technical solutions, managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, and transitioning innovative capabilities to government sponsors and operational users.
• Shape the future of cyber-physical operations by identifying emerging technologies, engaging with sponsors, and defining new research directions that address evolving intelligence and operational challenges.
• Grow technical excellence by mentoring engineers and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you possess...

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or another discipline relevant to the duties as described above.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in software engineering, cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, or related technical fields.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, Rust, or similar languages, with experience developing, testing, and delivering reliable analytical tools and applications.
• Experience applying machine learning, large language models, and/or agentic AI to extract actionable insights, characterize system behavior, automate technical investigations, and/or accelerate engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently define technical approaches, take ownership of challenging problems, and drive efforts to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage sponsors, present technical findings, and translate operational needs into engineering solutions.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret clearance by your start date, and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret security 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 possess...

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, including leading small technical teams, mentoring junior engineers, and delivering innovative capabilities to operational users.
• Experience with network protocols, packet analysis, traffic characterization, wireless communications (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular), or device fingerprinting and identification.
• Experience with vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, threat analysis, offensive or defensive cyber operations, or software supply chain security.
• Experience with embedded systems, IoT devices, sensors, edge computing, or developing and deploying software on resource-constrained platforms.
• Experience with time-series analysis, anomaly detection, sensor fusion, behavioral modeling, entity tracking, or extracting actionable intelligence from heterogeneous data sources.

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually