Military Systems Cybersecurity Software Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

APL seeks a Military Systems Cybersecurity Software Engineer to design, develop, and deploy robust software for air, sea, land, and subsurface military platforms, enhancing cyber resilience against adversaries while collaborating with industry, academia, and government.

The role requires a BS in CS/Cybersecurity, 3+ years in software development, proficiency in Python/Java/C/C++, knowledge of networks and threat detection, and the ability to obtain an Interim Secret clearance with U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Cybersecurity/Software Engineering or related field.
• Proven software development, testing, and deployment experience, preferably in cybersecurity.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, Golang, Rust, C, or C++.
• 3+ years of software development experience in one or more listed languages.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, threat detection, and incident response.
• Experience with computer networks and network analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark).
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams as a leader or contributor.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with clear communication.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% and work in classified areas.
• Eligibility for Interim Secret security clearance (US citizenship).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, evaluate, and deploy robust software for military platforms to enhance cyber resilience.
• Conduct network analysis of logs and traffic to detect threats and deviations.
• Develop tooling and run attack scenarios to test security solutions’ detection and response.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to advance skills.

Skills

Python

Java

Golang

Rust

C

C++

Network analysis

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Cybersecurity/Software Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Computer Science/Cybersecurity/Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Wireshark

SIEM tools

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about engineering robust and resilient military platforms capable of operating in the face of determined cyber adversaries?

Do you love to push the bounds of science and technology while solving some of the most ambitious problems facing our Nation?

If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We are seeking dedicated individuals to perform purposeful research into the cyber resilience of military platforms/systems, supporting innovative capability development. Our team works collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to study, design, develop, implement, and test cyber capabilities applied to air, afloat, ground, and undersea military and/or tactical platforms and systems.

As a Military Systems Cybersecurity Software Engineer, you will...

• Design, develop, evaluate, and deploy robust and resilient software capabilities and solutions applied to air, afloat, land, and subsurface military and/or tactical platforms and systems to enhance cyber resilience.
• Conduct network analysis of logs and traffic to ensure expected behavior of systems and identify threats and/or deviations.
• Develop tooling and execute sophisticated attack scenarios to assess the effectiveness of security solutions detection and response.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.

Qualifications

You meet the minimum qualifications for this position if you have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or a field relevant to the duties as described.
• Proven experience in software development, testing, and deployment, preferably in a cybersecurity context.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, Golang, Rust, C, or C++.
• 3 or more years of experience with software development in one or more of the preferred programming languages.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, threat detection methodologies, and/or incident response processes.
• Experience with computer networks and network analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, Suite).
• Demonstrated the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams as a leader and/or a contributor.
• Proven demonstration as a critical thinker, developing solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to occasionally travel (up to 10%) and work as required in classified areas.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have:

• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 3 or more years of experience with military systems architecture, design, and cybersecurity solutions.
• 3 or more years of experience conducting cybersecurity assessments against military networks and/or systems.
• Detailed technical understanding and/or operational/maintenance experience with combat systems, weapons and stores systems command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) avionics hull, mechanical, and electrical (HM&E) and/or other related military operational technology, including embedded systems and supporting platform network and computing environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cyber issues surrounding real-time operating systems, software-intensive systems, autonomous military systems, and operational mission/domain-specific applications.
• Experience using virtualization technologies (e.g., VMWare vSphere).
• Familiarity with SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, ELK Stack).
• Experience conducting penetration testing, red teaming exercises, and threat simulations.
• Proven experience in software development of intrusion detection systems (IDS), penetration and red team tooling.
• Have had prior interactions with the DoD and IC communities.

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. 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

$195,000 Annually