Communications Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to design and implement FPGA/firmware for advanced communications networks. The role involves real‑time embedded software, hardware test/evaluation, and collaboration across hardware, firmware, and software teams.

You will work on multi‑disciplinary projects, develop VHDL/Verilog for deployment, and apply MATLAB modeling to validate performance in contested environments.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of FPGA/firmware development in VHDL or Verilog.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Effective communication of ideas and results.
• Experience with DSP on FPGA; RF hardware design/test principles; and using test equipment.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and analyze systems/algorithms for resilient, secure communications networks.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog) from concept through deployment.
• Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation.
• Validate prototypes and tactical systems against operational scenarios.
• Collaborate to design SWaP-C constrained communications concepts.
• Provide status updates and write reports for sponsors; support field tests.

Skills

FPGA firmware development

VHDL/Verilog

C/C++ embedded programming

RF systems knowledge

DSP on FPGA

Effective communication

Education

BS in Computer/ Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

MS in Computer/ Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB

Test equipment

FPGA development tools

Job description

Description

Would you be excited to build communications/networking architectures across hardware/firmware/software boundaries?

Would you be excited to build communications/networking architectures across hardware/firmware/software boundaries? Are you interested in trying novel, creative, and risky approaches for communications systems to solve and overcome mission critical challenges? Would you enjoy rapid prototyping of ideas on both novel and deployed RF hardware/systems? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! The Networked Systems and Integrated Fires group is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to contribute to communications system design, implementation, hardware test/evaluation, firmware, real-time embedded software, and more. As part of our team, you will make critical contributions to both new and legacy communications systems and work on a variety of projects in a fast-paced team environment.

As a Communications Systems Engineer, You Will

• Work with multi-disciplinary teams in designing, implementing, and analyzing systems/algorithms for future resilient, secure, and adaptive communications networks operating in highly contested environments
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through implementation, evaluation, and deployment
• Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation
• Validate and analyze performance of prototypes and tactical systems against complex operational scenarios
• Work as part of a team to design novel solutions and approaches for size/weight/power/cost (SWaP-C) constrained communications concepts
• Provide status updates, analysis results, and algorithms in written reports and in presentations to internal APL staff, program contractors, and government sponsors
• Support occasional field tests for hardware testing

Qualifications

• Have a BS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Have 3+ years of experience in FPGA/firmware development in VHDL or Verilog
• Have demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Can effectively communicate ideas and results
• Have professional experience in at least one of the following:
• Implementing digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms on FPGA
• C/C++ embedded programming on FPGA System-on-Chip (SoC) devices
• RF systems link analysis or communications algorithm modeling/simulation in Python or MATLAB
• Strong knowledge of RF (Radio Frequency) hardware design/test principles, with hands‑on experience using test equipment
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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…

• Have a MS degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
• Have experience implementing advanced concepts on FPGA such as adaptive filtering techniques, error correction codes, etc.
• Have hands‑on experience implementing high speed ADC/DAC interfaces on FPGA
• Have experience with current military links (e.g. CDL, Link 16 / MIDS)
• Have an active Top Secret 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