Cybersecurity Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Training and development

Sign-on bonus

Relocation benefits

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Cybersecurity Engineer to help securely prototype and implement complex systems in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The role sits within the Human-Machine Engineering team, collaborating with algorithm developers, computer scientists, and systems engineers to advance warfighter-focused technologies.

You will support cybersecurity initiatives, provide guidance to software teams, and help build secure infrastructure for both unclassified and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Science, or similar.
• 3+ years of experience supporting cybersecurity for DoD or IC systems, applications, or platforms.
• Experience with RMF and authorization tools such as eMASS or Xacta for system accreditation.
• Experience with scripting, programming, and general software development (e.g., Python, C++, JavaScript, React).
• Experience with DeSecvOps tools (GitLab, Jira, Confluence) to support code management, collaboration, security automation, and delivery.
• Passion for collaborative problem-solving and mission-driven technology development.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, research, and operations.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and security considerations.
• Experience designing, deploying, and securing systems in AWS or similar cloud environments for government or mission-critical workloads.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Support identification of technical challenges and contribute to solutions for Human-Machine Engineering prototypes.
• Collaborate with software, security, and IT teams on cybersecurity initiatives.
• Provide cybersecurity guidance to software teams to balance rapid delivery and security.
• Help build advanced infrastructure for DevSecOps in unclassified and classified environments.
• Contribute to research and experimentation supporting secure prototyping and warfighter engagement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve cybersecurity practices and engineering workflows.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into cybersecurity-constrained environments.

Skills

RMF experience

DoD/IC cybersecurity

Python

C++

JavaScript/React

DevSecOps tools

GitLab/Jira/Confluence

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS cloud

Communication

TS/SCI clearance

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Cybersecurity/CE/Information Science

Master's degree in security-related field

Tools

eMASS

Xacta

Trivy

Semgrep

Grype

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about revolutionizing secure processes and infrastructure for rapidly prototyping, designing, and implementing systems?

Are you looking for a creative outlet and truly impactful work focused on advancing technologies and team workflows?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team Human-Machine Engineering team at APL. We are seeking cybersecurity engineer to help us securely prototype and implement complex systems in a dynamic, fast paced environment. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of algorithm developers, computer scientists, psychologists, systems engineers, and others who seek to reshape the future through end-to-end human systems and performance engineering. With us, you will develop solutions to bridge the gaps in human-machine warfighting teams in information-dense, high-stakes environments to revolutionize and operationalize warfighter-augmenting capabilities.

As a Cybersecurity Engineer you will...

• Support the identification of technical challenges and contribute to solutions that advance Human-Machine Engineering prototypes
• Contribute to the team's cybersecurity initiatives by collaborating with software engineering, security, and IT teams
• Provide cybersecurity guidance to software development teams to help balance rapid delivery and security
• Help build advanced infrastructure to support our long-term vision of effective DevSecOps in both unclassified and classified computing environments
• Contribute to research and experimentation supporting secure prototyping, software development, and warfighter engagement
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve cybersecurity practices and engineering workflows
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into cybersecurity-constrained environments

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Science, or similar
• Have 3+ years of experience supporting cybersecurity for DoD or Intelligence Community (IC) systems, applications, or platforms
• Have experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF), including the use of authorization management tools such as eMASS or Xacta to support system accreditation
• Have experience with scripting, programming, and general software development (e.g., Python, C++, JavaScript, React, or similar).
• Have experience with DeSecvOps tools (e.g., GitLab, Jira, Confluence) to support code management, collaboration, security automation, and delivery
• Have a passion for collaborative problem-solving and innovative, mission-driven technology development
• Have experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, research, and operations
• Are familiar with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and their security considerations
• Have experience designing, deploying, and securing systems in AWS or similar cloud environments supporting government or mission-critical workloads
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possess a Top Secret clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI 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...

• Possess a Master's degree in a security-related field (e.g., Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Computer Science with a security focus)
• Have experience applying Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) to harden systems and applications
• Have experience with cloud-native technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure, or similar) and modern software development practices
• Have experience with modern DevSecOps practices and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines
• Have experience with containerization technologies and modern application security tools (e.g., Trivy, Semgrep, Grype)
• Have the ability to work independently and in team environments to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into secure operational environments
• Have experience conducting stakeholder interviews to support security requirements development and security assessment activities
• Are familiar with Human-Machine Engineering, psychology, human factors, or similar, in industry, DoD, or academia

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.

• robust education assistance program
• unparalleled retirement contributions
• healthy work/life balance
• retirement plans
• paid time off
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• flexible spending accounts
• education assistance
• training and development
• sign-on bonus
• relocation benefits
• locality allowance
• discretionary payments for exceptional performance

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually