Full Stack Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, is seeking a skilled Full Stack Developer to rapidly prototype and implement Command and Control systems. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to bridge gaps in human-machine warfighting environments, delivering end-to-end software across databases, APIs, and UI.

You will drive secure, scalable solutions with CI/CD and documentation. The role requires 5+ years in full-stack development, React experience, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in full-stack implementation for complex systems (military/system experience preferred).
• Experience with full-stack web development, React experience preferred.
• Experience in a team environment focused on rapid prototyping.
• Ability to work with government/DoD sponsors and analysis teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Active Secret clearance or higher is a nice-to-have.

Responsibilities

• Rapidly design, develop, and deploy databases, backend APIs, and user-interface applications using modern architectures and practices.
• Lead the implementation of approved solution designs; maintain, test, debug, optimize, and improve production software.
• Establish and uphold software quality standards through code reviews, automated testing, secure development, CI/CD, and debt management.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation including architecture, APIs, deployment procedures, and user guides.
• Build and integrate agentic AI workflows to improve development processes with proper security controls and oversight.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor a team of developers to ensure high-quality delivery.

Skills

Full stack development

React

Node.js

Security practices

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

5+ years of full-stack experience

Tools

Git

Docker

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about rapidly prototyping, designing, and implementing systems?

Are you a programmer looking for a creative outlet and truly impactful work?

As a Full Stack Developer, you will...

We are seeking a full-stack developer to help us rapidly prototype Command and Control systems of the future. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of algorithm developers, computer scientists, psychologists, systems engineers, and others who seek to reshape this future through end-to-end human systems and performance engineering. With us, you will develop solutions to bridge the gaps in human-machine warfighting teams in information-dense, high-stakes environments to revolutionize and operationalize warfighter-augmenting capabilities.

• Rapidly design, develop, and deploy databases, backend APIs, and user-interface applications using modern architectures, tools, and software engineering practices.


• Lead the implementation of approved solution designs; maintain, test, debug, optimize, and continuously improve production software throughout its lifecycle.


• Establish and uphold software quality standards through code reviews, automated testing, secure development practices, CI/CD processes, and technical debt management.


• Produce and maintain technical documentation, including code frameworks, system architecture, design decisions, API specifications, deployment procedures, and user guides.


• Build and integrate agentic AI workflows to improve development processes, such as requirements analysis, documentation, code review, testing, defect triage, and developer productivity, while maintaining appropriate security controls and human oversight.


• Provide technical leadership and manage or mentor a team of software developers by setting technical direction, assigning and reviewing work, supporting professional development, and ensuring delivery of high-quality software.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development and/or possess 5+ years of experience and responsibilities related to full-stack implementation for a complex system (military system preferred).


• Have experience with full stack web development, game development, and/or application development (React experience preferred).


• Have experience in a team environment focused on rapid prototyping.


• Have the ability to work independently and with government, DoD Sponsors, and analysis teams.


• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Are able to obtain a SECRET level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government secret clearance 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...

• Hold an Active Secret clearance or above.


• Hold a Masters Degree in Information Visualization, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Web Development, Game Development, Human Computer Interaction, or equivalent.


• Have at least 10 years of experience related to software development for Navy ship defense systems with practical experience in Cyber, Radar, Surface Electronic Warfare, Mission Planning Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS), and/or Aegis Combat System.


• Have practical experience with a variety coding languages, tools, and libraries (e.g. Unity, Python, C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS/Sass/Less, React, Redux, Angular, Vue, Bootstrap, Material UI, Git, GitLab, Atlassian, JIRA, SQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Google Analytics, Docker).

Special Requirements

• Willingness to travel up to 10% as needed.

About Us

Why Work at 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually