Applied Spectroscopy Scientist

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a motivated scientist or engineer to advance our work in remote sensing, applied spectroscopy, material characterization, and novel EO/IR instrumentation. As a member of the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to solve our nation’s critical challenges.

You will contribute to system modeling and model validation through real world data collection, data analysis and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, optics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in development, application, and characterization of spectroscopic measurement systems and optical instrumentation.
• Strong teamwork and cross‑disciplinary collaboration experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for briefings and reports.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance and, eventually, Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Identify and execute technical courses of action to meet mission requirements, including modeling, data analysis, hardware development, and lab/field experiments.
• Mentor and train staff to build world‑class expertise.
• Support design, modeling, and testing of advanced optics and photonics systems (EO/IR sensors, radiometric measurements, spectroscopy).
• Collaborate with systems engineers to understand mission requirements and improve them.
• Document work in formal/informal reports, presentations, proceedings, and journal articles.

Skills

Modeling & data analysis

Team collaboration

Communication (oral & written)

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in electrical engineering/physics/chemistry/optics

Ph.D. (preferred)

5+ years experience in spectroscopic measurement systems

Tools

MODTRAN

HITRAN

HITEMP

Job description

Description

Do you love to apply complex scientific concepts to real world applications?

Are you searching for meaningful work in remote sensing and applied spectroscopy?

Are you hoping to join a dynamic and innovative team?

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

We are seeking a motivated experienced scientist or engineer to help us advance our work in remote sensing, applied spectroscopy, material characterization, and novel EO/IR instrumentation. As a member of the Optics and Photonics Group, your work will help inform decision makers in the defense community to solve our nation’s critical challenges. You will contribute to system modeling and model validation through real world data collection, data analysis and prototype system development. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who enjoy working hands‑on in the lab and in the field. We are passionate about applying optics and photonics technology to high‑impact next‑generation applications in sensing, communications, kinetic effects and non‑kinetic warfare.

Responsibilities

• Your primary responsibilities will include identifying and executing technical courses of action to meet mission requirements. This may include modeling, data analysis, hardware development, and laboratory and field experimentation.
• You will mentor and train other staff members to continue building world class expertise.
• You will support the design, modeling, and testing of advanced optics and photonics systems, including EO/IR sensors, radiometric measurements, applied spectroscopy, and material characterization in laboratory and operational environments.
• You will work with systems engineers across the lab to understand mission requirements and research ways to improve them.
• You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports, including presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

Qualifications

• Possess a B.S. or M.S. degree in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, optics, or a related field.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the development, application, and characterization of spectroscopic measurement systems and optical instrumentation.
• Possess strong teaming skills and have demonstrated experience working across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.
• Have strong oral and written communication skills and experience communicating key information to stakeholders through formal briefings and reports.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, chemistry, optics or a related field.
• Have 10+ years of experience in the development, application, and characterization of spectroscopic measurement systems and optical instrumentation.
• Have experience in optical alignment, laser diagnostics and system prototyping.
• Have developed and fielded EO/IR sensors and systems.
• Have field test experience and an interest in travel.
• Have modeling and simulation experience using MODTRAN, HITRAN, HITEMP or similar spectroscopic database.
• Hold an active Secret or higher level security 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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually