Electro-Optical Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an Electro-Optical Engineer to join a team of scientists and engineers conceiving, designing, building, and testing complex electro-optical systems. The role is based in Laurel, MD and requires an active security clearance.

You will conduct in-depth analysis of sensors, design and test at multiple levels, develop new test capabilities, and collaborate with management to address national challenges in air and missile defense.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, optics, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• Experience in analysis, design, development, or testing of electro-optical instruments or sensors.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation of measurements.
• Ability to communicate to audiences of varying technical levels.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed.
• U.S. citizenship with active Secret clearance (TS/SCI eligibility).

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth analysis of electro-optical sensors and systems.
• Design, simulate, analyze, prototype, and test optical systems at component, subsystem, and system levels.
• Develop new test capabilities for assessing performance of optical systems.
• Develop tools, models, simulations, algorithms, and software for testing and evaluation of electro-optical systems.
• Maintain optical test equipment for electro-optical seeker and sensor systems.
• Collaborate with project management and peers to deliver critical test results.

Skills

Data analysis

Technical problem solving

Clear communication

Travel up to 10%

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/optics/physics/math

MS or PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Description

Do you like to work with sophisticated electro‑optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting‑edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a top‑rated employer?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

JHU/APL is seeking an Electro‑Optical Engineer to be a part of a team of scientists and engineers that conceives, designs, builds, and tests complex electro‑optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in‑depth analysis of electro‑optical sensors and systems
• Design, simulate, analyze, prototype, and test optical systems and sensors at the component, subsystem, and system levels
• Develop new test capabilities that will assess the performance of both new and fielded optical systems
• Develop and refine tools, techniques, models, simulations, algorithms, and software for the testing and evaluation of electro‑optic systems
• Develop and maintain optical test equipment for electro‑optical seeker and sensor systems
• Work with project and program management and with peers across the organization to ensure that test results provide critical contributions to the most critical challenges the nation faces in air and missile defense

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, optics, physics, mathematics, or a related field
• Experience in analysis, design, development, or testing of electro‑optical instruments or sensors
• Proficiency in data analysis and the interpretation of physical measurements as real‑world phenomena
• Demonstrated strengths in understanding and solving sophisticated technical problems
• Ability to speak and write for audiences of varying levels of technical knowledge
• Availability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed
• An active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

• An MS or PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field
• Experience in system‑level requirement analysis, engineering, and evaluation of electro‑optical sensors, systems, and subsystems
• Experience with visible and infrared detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, HgCdTe, Type II SLS, etc.)
• Ability to perform radiometric/photometric modeling of electro‑optical sensor systems in both the visible and the infrared spectrum
• Interdisciplinary familiarity of systems including optical, electro‑optical, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering
• Experience in system engineering and project management
• Experience with integrated software/hardware systems
• Current TS/SCI clearance

Salary Range

$100,000 Annually – $290,000 Annually

Benefits

You will enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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].

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.