HWIL Lead Engineer — Real-Time Testbeds

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks an Hardware in the Loop Engineer to lead the design, construction and operation of HWIL testbeds for weapons systems, combining real-time simulation with live hardware. You will mentor 2–6 engineers, collaborate with government customers, and drive CI/CD and test automation while ensuring security clearance readiness.

This role demands hands-on hardware, embedded systems knowledge, and strong software skills across

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or similar field.
• 5+ years of experience working with hardware in the loop test beds.
• Skilled in software programming and understanding embedded systems communication.
• Able to lead a team of 2-6 engineers to design and build HWIL testbeds.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance by start date and potentially Top Secret; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, build, and run real-time HWIL capabilities around weapon systems.
• Design tests with government customers and lead test execution and analysis.
• Collaborate with software and hardware teams to implement HWIL capabilities.
• Work with embedded hardware systems, interfaces, and communication protocols.
• Present status and results to projectl sponsors and leadership.
• Mentor staff on HWIL designs and task breakdowns for team members.
• Document code and implement CI/CD, and set up network systems.

Skills

Hardware in the loop

Team leadership

Embedded systems

Programming

Education

BSc in Electrical/CS/Physics

Tools

C/C++

Python

CUDA/FPGA

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks an Hardware in the Loop Engineer to lead the design, construction and operation of HWIL testbeds for weapons systems, combining real-time simulation with live hardware. You will mentor 2–6 engineers, collaborate with government customers, and drive CI/CD and test automation while ensuring security clearance readiness.

This role demands hands-on hardware, embedded systems knowledge, and strong software skills across