Established Cyber Engineer - Capabilities Development

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks engineers and cybersecurity experts to strengthen the cyber resilience of critical systems. You will join a multi-disciplinary team delivering novel tools and mission-ready capabilities for defense and intelligence sponsors.

You will work with sponsors to understand operational needs, develop solutions, and apply cutting-edge trends to real-world challenges while pursuing security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, CE, Math or Cybersecurity.
• 2+ years’ experience developing cyber concepts, systems, or analytics.
• Experience with Java/Kotlin, Python, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, or equivalents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; good communication and teamwork.
• Eligibility to obtain Interim Secret clearance with potential for Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Be mentored by top experts to learn cyber capabilities development.
• Collaborate with sponsors/end users to understand needs and requirements.
• Build mission-aligned capabilities and novel cyber approaches.
• Apply research to real-world cyber problems in defense/intelligence.
• Share methods with team, management, and government decision makers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal & communication

Clearance eligibility (Interim Secret/

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Math/Cybersecurity

Master’s degree (advantage)

Tools

Java/Kotlin

Python

C/C++

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about enhancing the cyber resilience of critical systems? Do you want the chance to push the boundaries of cyber defense? Are you excited about working with others to solve some of the nation’s toughest cyber challenges? If so, we want you to join our team at APL’s Capabilities Development Group (QCC)! We work as a multi-disciplinary team of systems, cybersecurity, and software engineers, who enable mission resilience by developing novel tools. We leverage the latest threat intelligence along with cutting-edge cybersecurity trends, techniques and technologies to achieve an operational advantage for our sponsors.

As a member of our team you will…

• Be mentored by top experts to learn the art and science of developing cyber capabilities


• Work with sponsors and end users in defense or intelligence organizations to understand their operational needs and identify requirements


• Build mission-aligned capabilities


• Develop novel approaches to solving cybersecurity challenges in operational environments


• Explore promising new research areas and seek ways to apply ideas to today’s problems


• Share approaches and methods with others team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications

You’ll meet our minimum qualifications if you…

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or a Cybersecurity-related field


• Possess 2+ years of experience developing cyber concepts, systems, or analytics, with an understanding of systems engineering or operational planning


• Have experience developing software using Java/Kotlin, Python, C#, Rust, Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, or equivalent


• Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good organizational skills, and the ability to work in teams


• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret Clearance. If selected, you will be subjected to a government security investigation, and you should meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information up to the Top Secret level. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship

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

• Possess a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or a Cybersecurity-related field


• Can apply software development skills to different domains and subject matters


• Have knowledge of AI/ML, Agentic AI, and/or AI-enabled cyber methodologies


• Have experience in DevSecOps, and/or network security and systems integration


• Have experience with Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community cyber operations/mission forces


• Have experience in conducting research, development, and testing of cyber capabilities


• Have experience in the development of related documents that define processes, solutions, requirements, and specifications for government agencies (military, federal departments/agencies, state, and local) and public organizations to collaborate and achieve greater cybersecurity


• Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance.

About Us

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.

Why Work at APL?

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. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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

$245,000 Annually