RF & FPGA Communications Systems Engineer (Clearance Eligible)

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to design, implement, and test complex communications networks. You will work across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries to deliver secure, resilient systems for mission-critical environments.

You will develop FPGA firmware from concept to deployment, perform MATLAB modeling, and validate prototypes under realistic scenarios.

Qualifications

• BS in computer/EE or related field; MS preferred.
• 3+ years FPGA/firmware development in VHDL or Verilog.
• Ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Strong communication of ideas and results.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and analyze systems/algorithms for resilient, secure communications networks.
• Develop FPGA firmware (VHDL) from concept through deployment.
• Contribute to MATLAB modeling and simulation.
• Validate performance of prototypes and tactical systems in operational scenarios.
• Design SWaP-C constrained communications concepts.
• Provide status updates and results in reports and presentations; support field tests.

Skills

FPGA firmware development

VHDL/Verilog

C/C++ embedded programming

RF systems knowledge

MATLAB modeling

Python scripting

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Computer/Electrical Engineering or related

MS degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Vivado

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Communications Systems Engineer to design, implement, and test complex communications networks. You will work across hardware, firmware, and software boundaries to deliver secure, resilient systems for mission-critical environments.

You will develop FPGA firmware from concept to deployment, perform MATLAB modeling, and validate prototypes under realistic scenarios.