Cybersecurity Engineer — Critical Infrastructure Defender

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Cybersecurity Engineer to move research prototypes into operational environments, strengthening critical infrastructure protection.

You will develop, evaluate, and transition technologies that address OT/ICS cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, and AI-enabled capabilities while collaborating with mission stakeholders and across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with Python or another programming language and familiarity with Linux environments, debugging, and version control.
• Foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, network security, vulnerability analysis, and offensive cyber concepts.
• Understand basic 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, research, or other technical tasks with responsible use.
• Strong communication, analytical, and teamwork skills; ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance and eventually a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and prototype cybersecurity technologies for critical infrastructure and cyber-physical systems.
• Collaborate with sponsors, operators, and mission stakeholders to translate needs into technical solutions.
• Build and evaluate capabilities across software, networks, embedded devices, ICS, and OT environments.
• Reverse engineer protocols, software, and hardware to identify vulnerabilities and hardening opportunities.
• Conduct cyber test and evaluation, adversary emulation, vulnerability research, and protocol analysis.
• Develop cyber situational awareness and AI-enabled decision support, reserving for realistic performance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and adapt them to operational needs; transition prototypes to fielded use.
• Communicate approaches and results through documentation, briefings, demonstrations, and publications.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

Go

Rust

Linux environments

Debugging

Version control

AI-assisted coding tools

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Security concepts

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in cybersecurity, CS, or related field

Tools

Wireshark

Ghidra

Docker

SIEM platforms

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Cybersecurity Engineer to move research prototypes into operational environments, strengthening critical infrastructure protection.

You will develop, evaluate, and transition technologies that address OT/ICS cybersecurity, cyber-physical systems, and AI-enabled capabilities while collaborating with mission stakeholders and across multidisciplinary teams.