Constrained Cyber Capability Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Constrained Cyber Capability Engineer to integrate, evaluate, and operationalize advanced cyber capabilities for real-world environments. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, cyber operators, and partners to deliver impactful capabilities for U.S.

Government sponsors. Ideal candidates hold a technical degree with 3+ years in virtualization, networking, wireless systems, or cybersecurity, and possess programming

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience with virtualization, networking, wireless systems, software development, or cybersecurity.
• Programming skills and Linux familiarity.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity tools including network/protocol analysis, firmware analysis, and embedded system security.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to work independently and in teams.
• Willing to travel up to 25%.
• Eligibility for U.S. citizenship and Interim Top Secret clearance with potential TS/SCI+poly.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a multi-disciplinary portfolio solving problems in testing, integration, and operation of cyber capabilities.
• Develop and deploy software tools for testing and evaluation in physical and virtual environments.
• Support field testing and operational integration with mission partners.
• Mentor small technical teams and lead them toward solutions.
• Prepare high-quality technical documents (test plans, reports, reviews, executive summaries).

Skills

Programming skills

Linux familiarity

Communication & teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or related

MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or related

Tools

Virtualization technologies

Networking tools

Wireless systems

Embedded systems security

RF systems & FPGA

Job description

Description

Are you searching for impactful work in developing innovative constrained environment cyber capabilities that enable the U.S. to prevail against asymmetric threats?

Do you thrive when solving complex technical challenges at the intersection of software, cyber operations, and wireless communications systems?

Are you eager to integrate, test, and deploy sophisticated offensive cyber capabilities that drive mission impact?

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

We are seeking a highly motivated Constrained Cyber Capability Engineer to integrate, evaluate, and operationalize adaptive, complex cyber capabilities for real-world operations and environments. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team of network engineers, reverse engineers, wireless communication engineers, cyber operations experts, and systems engineers working together to deliver groundbreaking cyber capabilities to our U.S. Government sponsors.

Our hardworking team values creativity, collaboration, and the open exchange of ideas. New ideas are encouraged, tested, and rapidly transitioned into operational capabilities. We believe in learning, experimenting, professional growth and work-life balance.

As a Constrained Cyber Capability Engineer, you will...

• Contribute to a multi-disciplinary portfolio of projects solving problems in the testing, integration, and operationalization of cyber capabilities that leverage constrained attack surfaces, including networked devices, embedded systems, and wireless communications.
• Develop and deploy software tools for testing and evaluation of cyber capabilities including physical and virtual environments.
• Support field testing and operational integration by working closely with mission partners, operators, and other government and industry partners.
• Hone leadership skills through mentorship of small technical teams, driving them toward a solution to a given technical problem.
• Write and deliver high quality technical documents that may include test plans, test reports, test readiness reviews, after action reviews, and executive outbriefs.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related technical field. A non-technical degree combined with formal technical training may also be considered.
• Have at least 3 years experience with a subset of the following: virtualization technologies, networking tools, wireless systems, capability development, software development, test and evaluation, or cybersecurity.
• Possess programming skills and Linux familiarity.
• Are familiar with modern cybersecurity tools, including network and protocol analysis, firmware analysis, and embedded system security.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills, and can operate effectively in both independent and collaborative settings.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 25%.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly 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...

• Possess an MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• Have at least 5+ years experience with a subset of the following: virtualization technologies, networking tools, wireless systems, capability development, software development, test and evaluation, or cybersecurity.
• Understand offensive cyber operations, including cyber effects operations and engineering solutions that establish access or deliver effects in complex and constrained environments.
• Have conducted hardware integration and testing, including working with RF systems, FPGAs, networking equipment, and embedded systems.
• Have Test & Evaluation (T&E) experience, including formulating test plans, conducting controlled experiments, analyzing test data, and developing comprehensive reports.
• Have extensive experience using modern cybersecurity tools, including network and protocol analysis, firmware analysis, and embedded system security.
• Have extensive experience with virtualizing hardware and software to enable capability demonstration, characterization, and evaluation.
• Have experience integrating cyber tools into operational environments.
• Hold an active TS/SCI 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