Cybersecurity Engineer: Critical Infrastructure Defense

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer to advance research prototypes into operational protection for critical infrastructure and cyber-physical systems. You will work across OT/ICS, cyber defense, AI-enabled capabilities, and reverse engineering to understand threats and implement resilient security solutions.

Join a multidisciplinary team within the Critical Infrastructure Protection Group, collaborating with sponsors and mission

Qualifications

• PhD in cybersecurity, CS, engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in Python or another programming language; strong Linux workflows.
• Experience with shell scripting and version control; capable of automation.
• Knowledge of offensive cyber capabilities and IP networking; familiar with OT/ICS domains.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and prototype cybersecurity capabilities for critical infrastructure.
• Collaborate with sponsors and operators to translate mission needs into tech solutions.
• Build and evaluate capabilities across software, networks, embedded devices, and ICS/OT environments.
• Analyze control system protocols, software, hardware, and system architectures for vulnerabilities.
• Conduct cyber test/evaluation, vulnerability research, and adversary emulation in lab and live environments.
• Develop AI-enabled capabilities for cyber situational awareness and decision support while assessing performance and risks.

Skills

PhD in cybersecurity

Python

C/C++

Go

Java

Rust

Linux

AI tooling

Education

PhD or soon

Tools

Ghidra

Wireshark

Docker

Git / Version control

SIEM

Job description

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer to advance research prototypes into operational protection for critical infrastructure and cyber-physical systems. You will work across OT/ICS, cyber defense, AI-enabled capabilities, and reverse engineering to understand threats and implement resilient security solutions.

Join a multidisciplinary team within the Critical Infrastructure Protection Group, collaborating with sponsors and mission