Radar Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Radar System Engineer to join a collaborative, mission-driven team. You will analyze sensor data, develop simulations, and apply data-science techniques to advance Navy radar, EO/IR, and EW capabilities in challenging environments.

Candidates should have a BS in STEM, at least 1 year of engineering experience, and familiarity with Python or MATLAB, plus exposure to modern development tools. U.S.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM field.
• At least 1 year of engineering-related experience.
• Strong understanding of radar systems or physics-based radar phenomena.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, and exposure to Git, GitLab, Jira.

Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical-sensor data with a cross-disciplinary team to deliver mission-driven solutions.
• Identify and solve problems that impact mission requirements.
• Build and apply modeling, simulation, and data-analysis tools; develop ML algorithms for large data sets.
• Develop physics-based simulations for radar, EO/IR, and electronic-warfare system performance.
• Collaborate with contractors, government labs, RF-propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, and engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Apply data science techniques to real-world defense challenges.

Skills

Radar systems understanding

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

Git/GitLab/Jira

Communication

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or Physics

MS/PhD (preferred)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Git

GitLab

Jira

Job description

Description

Are you eager to apply your expertise in radar systems, physics, modeling and simulation, and/or data science to high impact defense challenges, and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking Radar System Engineers with one or more years of experience to help field the next generation of Advanced Surface Navy sensors and Land‑based Cruise Missile Defense sensor networks, defending against some of the world’s most challenging threats in challenging operational environments.

Why Join Us

• Mission‑Driven Impact: Contribute directly to the development and fielding of next‑generation Navy Radar/EO/IR, electronic‑warfare, and land‑based cruise‑missile‑defense sensor networks that protect service members against the world’s toughest threats.
• Cutting‑Edge Innovation: Work with physics‑based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced data‑analysis, and machine‑learning techniques to create innovative sensor‑performance tools.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of sensor engineers, RF‑propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat‑system engineers, and physicists—all focused on solving complex, mission‑critical problems.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical‑sensor data with a cross‑disciplinary team to deliver mission‑driven solutions.
• Identify and solve problems that impact mission requirements.
• Build and apply M&S tools, data‑analysis platforms, and machine‑learning algorithms to large data sets; develop novel algorithms that solve real‑world problems.
• Develop and refine physics‑based simulations that provide new insight into radar, EO/IR, and electronic‑warfare system performance in realistic operational environments.
• Develop novel instrumentation and algorithms for understanding RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signal measurements.
• Identify emergent phenomenology, troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance, and work with a broad network of experts—including prime contractors, government labs, RF‑propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat‑system engineers, and physicists—to deliver integrated solutions.
• Apply, machine learning, signal processing, and data science techniques to unprecedented real‑world challenges.
• Advance the state of the art in our core technology areas: signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary‑layer meteorology.

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

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

• A BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM technical discipline, with some sensor systems engineering experience.
• At least 1 year of engineering‑related experience.
• Strong understanding of radar systems, and/or physics‑based phenomena affecting radar or communications systems.
• Some familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, and have had some exposure to modern development process (git, GitLab, Jira, or equivalent).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as 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 MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM technical discipline and additional years of relevant experience.
• Experience with advanced DoW sensors and combat systems, particularly in the areas described above.
• Have experience leading technical teams.
• Have an existing Top Secret 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.

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