Defense Software Engineer Intern

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites aspiring software engineers to join as Software Engineering Interns in Maryland. You will design, develop, test, and improve mission planning software used to support U.S.

military operations, with mentorship and hands-on practice in modern software practices. The role emphasizes collaboration across software, systems, and mathematical teams, participation in code reviews, and exposure to real defense challenges.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Experience developing software using one or more programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
• Enjoy solving technical problems and learning new technologies.
• Have experience working on team-based academic, research, personal, or extracurricular software projects.
• Communicate effectively with teammates, instructors, and technical stakeholders through written and verbal communication.
• Are organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Enjoy working collaboratively while also taking initiative on assigned work.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and improve software for mission planning applications.
• Contribute to software that supports multiple mission areas including defense domains.
• Help develop AI-enabled capabilities and efficient algorithms for mission planning and decision support.
• Collaborate with software engineers, systems engineers, mathematicians, and domain experts.
• Participate in software design reviews, technical discussions, and agile development activities.
• Learn modern software engineering practices, including automated testing, containerization, DevSecOps, and secure software development.
• Gain exposure to operational challenges faced by the U.S. military and how software supports mission success.
• Build technical and professional skills through mentorship and collaboration.

Skills

C++

Python

Java

JavaScript

TypeScript

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

Linux

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites aspiring software engineers to join as Software Engineering Interns in Maryland. You will design, develop, test, and improve mission planning software used to support U.S.

military operations, with mentorship and hands-on practice in modern software practices. The role emphasizes collaboration across software, systems, and mathematical teams, participation in code reviews, and exposure to real defense challenges.