Cryogenics Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL); Laurel (NE); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a qualified candidate to advance cryogenic research and materials characterization. You will operate cryogenic platforms, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and technicians, and contribute to innovative projects aligned with our defense, security, and space missions.

The ideal candidate holds a physics or engineering degree with experience in cryogenics, and shows motivation to work in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in physics, engineering, or closely related discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience with cryogenic systems or characterizing materials at cryogenic temperatures.
• Active citizenship with ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance and TS/SCI with Polygraph access.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operation of systems and experiments.
• Contribute technical insight to current and future challenges and sponsor needs.
• Conduct independent research on thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties of materials using 1K/4K/dilution fridge systems.
• Collaborate with physicists, engineers, materials scientists, and technicians to design experiments and analyze data.
• Take on leadership responsibilities in active projects and propose new research directions.

Skills

Cryogenic systems

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Clearance eligibility

Motivation to thrive

Team leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/engineering or related

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Requirements

Must have:

• We require a bachelors degree or higher in physics, engineering, or a closely related discipline such as materials science or applied physics.
• We look for at least 1 year of experience with cryogenic systems or with characterizing materials or systems at cryogenic temperatures.
• We value a strong motivation to thrive in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary applied science environment.
• We require the ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by the start date and ultimately qualify for TS/SCI with Polygraph access, including U.S. citizenship.
• Preferred qualifications include a masters degree or above in engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Preferred experience includes measuring thermal and electrical properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures.
• Preferred experience includes designing and troubleshooting experimental setups within cryogenic systems.
• Preferred experience includes extensive operation of millikelvin test systems.
• Preferred qualification includes an active TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance.

Responsibilities:

• We support existing programs by managing the day-to-day operation of a range of systems and experiments.
• We contribute high-quality ideas and technical insight to current and future challenges, helping develop novel solutions aligned with our mission and sponsor needs.
• We carry out independent, creative research on the thermal, magnetic, and electrical properties of materials using dry 1K, 4K, and dilution refrigerator systems.
• We collaborate with physicists, electrical engineers, materials scientists, and fabrication technicians to design experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings.
• We are encouraged to take on leadership responsibilities in active projects and to propose new research directions for our sponsors.

Company:

We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and we tackle our nations most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges with world-class expertise. Our Physics Group is a collaborative team of scientists, engineers, and physicists dedicated to advancing innovative cryogenic technologies through scientific excellence, open discussion, and continuous improvement. We offer a welcoming culture where people can bring their authentic selves to work, grow professionally, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. Our Baltimore-Washington metro area campus comes with generous benefits, including education assistance, strong retirement contributions, and support for work/life balance, along with a comprehensive benefits package covering medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, training, and development.