Cybersecurity Engineer: Critical Infrastructure Defender

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer to advance technologies from lab prototypes into operational environments guarding critical infrastructure. You will work across OT/ICS environments, cyber-physical systems, and AI-enabled defense projects.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master's in a technical field and experience with Python and Linux; applicants must be able to obtain Interim Secret and ultimately Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience with Python or other languages (C/C++, Java, Go, Rust) and familiarity with Linux environments, debugging, and version control.
• Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, including network security and vulnerability analysis.
• Understanding of networking concepts and exposure to embedded systems, virtualization, ICS, or related technologies.
• Experience solving technical problems through coursework, internships, research, or hands-on projects.
• Experience using AI-assisted tools for coding, debugging, or research, and ability to validate results.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and prototype technologies to improve security and resilience of critical infrastructure and cyber-physical systems.
• Collaborate with sponsors, operators, and stakeholders to define requirements and translate mission needs into solutions.
• Build and evaluate cybersecurity capabilities across software, networks, embedded devices, and ICS environments.
• Analyze and reverse engineer protocols, software, and hardware to identify vulnerabilities and hardening opportunities.
• Conduct cyber test and evaluation, vulnerability research, and experimental assessments in lab and real environments.
• Communicate technical approaches and results via documentation, briefings, and demonstrations.

Skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Security fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering or related field

Tools

Python

Go

C/C++

Linux

Git

Wireshark

Ghidra

Docker

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer to advance technologies from lab prototypes into operational environments guarding critical infrastructure. You will work across OT/ICS environments, cyber-physical systems, and AI-enabled defense projects.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master's in a technical field and experience with Python and Linux; applicants must be able to obtain Interim Secret and ultimately Top Secret clearance.