Radar System Engineer - Maritime and Next-Generation Radars

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Radar System Engineer in Laurel, MD to help field next‑gen Navy radars and expand legacy systems. You will work with radar, combat system, and missile simulations, applying ML and data‑driven analysis to improve performance.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of radar engineers, analysts, scientists, and software developers, travel as needed, and advance toward DoD radar capabilities with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent technical degree.
• At least 1 year of engineering-related experience.
• Interest in radar/physics-based phenomena affecting radar or communications systems.
• Familiarity with Matlab, Python, or similar tools.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance with potential to Top Secret/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Creatively apply technical skills to identify and solve problems.
• Apply signal/data processing tools and ML/optimization to large data sets.
• Perform detailed analyses to root-cause performance observations and drive design.
• Collaborate with radar engineers, analysts, scientists, and software developers.
• Engage with combat system and missile engineers in systems engineering tasks.
• Present analyses to sponsors and contractors to guide program direction.
• Learn radar knowledge from subject matter experts.

Skills

Matlab/Python

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in EE/Physics or related

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Matlab

Python

Job description

Description

Are you interested in playing a critical role in fielding the US Navy's next-generation family of radars? Are you interested in developing new capabilities for legacy Navy radars? Do you enjoy working in a creative environment with an integrated team of highly motivated radar engineers, scientists, and software developers? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Sensor Algorithms and Analysis Group is seeking a Radar System Engineer to help field the next generation of Advanced Surface Navy radars and to expand the capabilities of existing Surface Navy radars. You will help identify problems that impact mission requirements and will have the opportunity to propose novel solutions and algorithms that improve performance. You will also study and perform detailed analysis on advanced radar performance using high-fidelity physics-based simulations. This work often extends into systems engineering tasking that involves integration of radar, combat system, and missile simulations.

As a Radar System Engineer, you will…

• Creatively apply your technical skills to identify and solve problems
• Apply signal and data processing tools, and disciplines including machine learning and optimization, to large data sets
• Perform detailed, deep-dive analysis to root-cause performance observations and drive design
• Work as part of a team of radar system engineers, analysts, scientists, and software developers
• Collaborate with combat system and missile engineers in systems engineering tasking
• Present analysis both internally and to sponsors and prime contractors to advise and guide program direction
• Grow your radar knowledge under the tutelage of radar subject matter experts

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent technical degree
• At least 1 year of engineering-related experience
• Enthusiasm for and interest in to gaining an understanding of radars and/or physics-based phenomena affecting radar or communications systems
• Familiarity with Matlab, Python, or similar mathematical analysis tools
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time if needed
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have a…

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent technical field
• 3+ years of professional experience in radar, aerospace, RF, hypersonics, or other technical-related systems engineering domain
• Strong background in Matlab, Python, or similar mathematical analysis tools
• Leadership experience or interest in assuming leadership roles
• Experience with advanced DoD radars and combat systems
• Top Secret/SCI clearance

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

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$195,000 Annually