Artificial Intelligence National Security Analyst

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 AI National Security Analyst to advance analytic tradecraft by integrating Generative AI into analytic workflows within the National Security Analysis Department (NSAD).

You will develop AI tools, evaluate capabilities, and collaborate with analysts, engineers, and developers to translate mission needs into AI-enabled solutions, with eligibility for interim Secret and TS/SCI clearances as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• At least three years of National Security Analysis or related analytic experience.
• Familiar with Generative AI tools (LLMs) and applying them to real-world problems.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date; TS/SCI eligibility in the future.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply Generative AI tools to support National Security Analysis workflows.
• Evaluate AI capabilities for reliability, usefulness, and limitations.
• Integrate AI-assisted approaches into analytic techniques to improve speed, scale, and insight generation.
• Develop and refine prompting strategies and workflows to support analytic tasks.
• Collaborate with analysts, engineers, and developers to translate mission needs into AI-enabled solutions.
• Define, document, and communicate best practices for applying AI across the National Security Analysis space.

Skills

National Security Analysis

Analytic methods

Python basics

Communication skills

Scripting / data tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/DS/Engineering

Tools

Python

APIs

Job description

Description

Are you searching for important work at the intersection of National Security Analysis and Generative AI? Are you interested in contributing to the evolution of analytic tradecraft by integrating emerging AI capabilities into real-world operational problems? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL, helping shape how AI enhances National Security Analysis. In this role, you will build, explore, evaluate, and apply Generative AI tools—including large language models—to augment analytic workflows, improve insight generation, and enhance decision support. Working within the Advanced Mission Modeling and AI Group (JAM) in the National Security Analysis Department (NSAD), you will play a key role in integrating AI into analytic methodologies used across DoD and Combatant Command efforts providing critical solutions to critical challenges.

As an AI National Security Analyst

• You will develop and apply Generative AI tools to support and enhance National Security Analysis workflows.
• You will evaluate AI capabilities for reliability, usefulness, and limitations within real-world mission contexts.
• You will integrate AI-assisted approaches into existing analytic techniques to improve speed, scale, and insight generation.
• You will develop and refine prompting strategies and workflows to support analytic tasks.
• You will collaborate with analysts, engineers, and developers to translate mission needs into AI-enabled solutions.
• You will help define, document, and communicate best practices for applying AI across the National Security Analysis space.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Have at least three years of relevant experience in National Security Analysis, operations analysis, or related analytic work.
• Have familiarity with Generative AI tools (e.g., large language models) and their application to real-world problems.
• Have experience applying structured analytic methods to complex problem sets.
• Possess strong critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate the reliability and limitations of analytic outputs.
• Have basic technical fluency, including light scripting or experience working with data and tools (e.g., Python, APIs, or similar).
• Are able to communicate analytic insights clearly in both written and verbal formats.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/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…

• Have experience applying/integrating Generative AI approaches in analytic, research, or operational contexts.
• Have familiarity with prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), or AI-assisted workflows.
• Have experience evaluating AI outputs for bias, accuracy, and mission relevance.
• Have experience supporting DoD or IC analytic efforts.
• Have worked with integrating new tools or technologies into established analytic processes.
• Have experience briefing analytic insights to stakeholders.

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.

Why Work at APL?

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