Entry-Level Systems & Software Engineer — Defense Tech

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 (APL) invites new engineers to join multidisciplinary teams solving complex defense challenges. You will design, develop, test, and sustain software for mission planning and decision-support systems, combining software engineering with modeling, AI, and systems analysis.

You will collaborate with experienced engineers, scientists, and military experts, applying modern practices such as DevSecOps and containerized development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or related technical discipline.
• Experience in software development using C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
• Able to obtain Interim Secret and ultimately Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software for mission planning and decision-support applications.
• Apply software engineering, modeling & simulation, data analysis, or AI techniques to solve operational challenges.
• Develop and evaluate algorithms to improve mission planning and resource allocation.
• Build secure software using modern practices, including DevSecOps, automated testing, and containerized development environments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition research into operational capabilities.
• Learn from mentors while contributing to meaningful projects from day one.

Skills

C++ development

Python development

Java development

JavaScript/TypeScript

Modeling & simulation

Algorithms

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Tools

Linux

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD pipelines

Cloud technologies

DevSecOps practices

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) invites new engineers to join multidisciplinary teams solving complex defense challenges. You will design, develop, test, and sustain software for mission planning and decision-support systems, combining software engineering with modeling, AI, and systems analysis.

You will collaborate with experienced engineers, scientists, and military experts, applying modern practices such as DevSecOps and containerized development.