Electro-Optical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer in Laurel, Maryland. You'll conduct in-depth analysis, design, and testing of complex electro-optical systems, contributing to national defense initiatives. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields and experience with electro-optical sensors. Salary ranges from $100,000 to $290,000 annually, reflecting market standards and individual qualifications. Join a team dedicated to tackling the nation’s toughest challenges in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Experience with electro-optical instruments or sensors is preferred.
• Proficiency in data analysis and physical measurements is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analysis of electro-optical sensors and systems.
• Design and test optical systems at various levels.
• Develop tools for testing and evaluating systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, optics, physics, or mathematics

Tools

Electro-optical sensors

Data analysis software

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‑optical 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.

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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you …

• 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.

About APL

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work‑life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area.

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].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. 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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually