Cyber Engineer - Capabilities Development

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks professionals to enhance cyber resilience of critical systems. Join a multi‑disciplinary team of engineers delivering novel tools and leveraging threat intelligence to support sponsors and mission outcomes.

You will collaborate across systems, cybersecurity, and software disciplines, documenting findings and guiding mitigation strategies. APL emphasizes growth, strong teamwork, and a commitment to national security while working

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or other technical degree.
• 5+ years of experience developing cyber concepts, systems, or analytics.
• Experience in one or more programming languages.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Eligible to obtain Top Secret clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand needs and translate to requirements.
• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams to create cyber concepts, capabilities, and techniques.
• Develop and apply understanding of computer, network, systems, and cybersecurity concepts.
• Document and present findings, results, and mitigation strategies.
• Mentor team members to develop future leaders and technical experts.

Skills

Programming languages

Analytical/problem-solving

Teamwork / collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/Math

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about enhancing the cyber resilience of critical systems?

Do you want the chance to push the boundaries of cyber defense?

Are you excited about working with others to solve some of the nation's toughest cyber challenges?

If so, we want you to join our team at APL's Capabilities Development Group (QCC)!

We work as a multi‑disciplinary team of systems, cybersecurity, and software engineers, who enable mission resilience by developing novel tools. We leverage the latest threat intelligence along with cutting‑edge cybersecurity trends, techniques and technologies to achieve an operational advantage for our sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with operational stakeholders to understand and document their needs, and translate them into well‑defined requirements.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams to lead the creation of novel cyber concepts, capabilities, and techniques to achieve cyber superiority in emerging domains.
• Develop and apply a detailed understanding of computer, network, systems, and cybersecurity concepts to create, assess, and operationalize novel approaches to solving cyber system security challenges in operational environments.
• Document and present findings, results, concepts, recommendations, and mitigation strategies.
• Guide and mentor team members to develop future leaders and technical experts.

Qualifications

You’ll meet our minimum qualifications if you…

• Possess a B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or other technical degree.
• Possess 5+ years of experience developing cyber concepts, systems, or analytics, with an understanding of systems engineering or operational planning.
• Have experience in one or more programming languages.
• Have strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in teams.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret / SCI Clearance. If selected, you will be subjected to a government security investigation, and you should meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information up to the Top Secret / SCI level. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Possess a M.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or other technical degree.
• Possess 10+ years of experience developing cyber concepts, systems, or analytics, with an understanding of systems engineering or operational planning.
• Have experience in conducting research, development, and testing of offensive cyber capabilities.
• Have experience in DevSecOps.
• Have experience with DoD and/or IC cyber operations/mission forces.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain 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.

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.

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