Senior Embedded Systems & Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Embedded Systems & Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer to lead the architecture and implementation of complete embedded systems, custom electronics hardware, and real-time software for advanced sensors and defense technologies.

You will design FPGA firmware, PCB layouts, and real-time C++ software, and develop HWIL test systems for missile seekers and optical sensors.

Qualifications

• BS degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related discipline with 8+ years of experience.
• MS degree with 10+ years of experience leading technical teams (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of modern C++ for real-time embedded systems.
• Extensive FPGA firmware design experience (VHDL/Verilog).
• Embedded Linux development including kernel programming and drivers.
• Experience with video/image processing systems and high-speed interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in architecting and developing complete embedded systems from concept through deployment.
• Design custom electronics including PCB layouts, FPGA firmware, and real-time C++ embedded software.
• Develop and integrate real-time HWIL test systems for advanced missile seekers and sensors.
• Design embedded systems around FPGA MPSoC platforms (Zynq UltraScale+) with carrier boards and PetaLinux.
• Implement real-time video/image processing pipelines using CUDA, OpenCV, GStreamer, and FPGA IP cores.
• Interface with sensors (IR/visible cameras, LiDAR) and develop MATLAB/Python analysis tools.
• Support field testing, lead design reviews, and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

C++ real-time

FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog)

Embedded systems

Linux kernel drivers

Video/image processing

MATLAB

Security clearance eligibility

Education

BS in computer/electrical engineering or CS

MS degree (preferred)

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Intel Quartus

PetaLinux/Yocto

Job description

Description

Would you be excited to architect complete embedded systems from hardware through firmware to software?

Are you interested in developing advanced hardware-in-the-loop test systems supporting cutting edge optical sensors and mission critical defense technologies?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

The Electro Optical Seeker and Infrared Systems group (A1F) of the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS) is seeking a Senior Embedded Systems & Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer to lead the architecture and implementation of complete embedded systems, custom electronics hardware, FPGA firmware, real-time embedded software, and sophisticated HWIL test systems.

As a Senior Embedded Systems & Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineer, you will:

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in architecting and developing complete embedded systems from concept through deployment
• Design custom electronics including PCB layouts, FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog), and real-time C++ embedded software
• Develop and integrate real-time HWIL test systems for advanced missile seekers, optical sensors, and tracking systems
• Design embedded systems around FPGA MPSoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+) including carrier boards, PetaLinux OS, drivers, and applications
• Implement real-time video/image processing pipelines using CUDA, OpenCV, GStreamer, and custom FPGA IP cores
• Interface with advanced sensors (IR/visible cameras, LiDAR, fast steering mirrors, scene projectors) and develop MATLAB/Python analysis tools
• Support field testing, lead design reviews (PDR, CDR), and provide technical leadership and mentoring

Qualifications

You will meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have:

• A BS degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related discipline with 8+ years of experience
• High proficiency in modern C++ (C++11/14/17) with real-time performance, multi-threading, and object-oriented architecture
• Extensive FPGA firmware design experience using VHDL or Verilog (Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus)
• Proven embedded systems design experience including hardware schematics, FPGA logic, and embedded software
• Embedded Linux development experience including kernel programming, device drivers (V4L2), and PetaLinux/Yocto
• Experience with video/image processing systems and high-speed data interfaces (10GbE, PCIe, Camera Link, DVI)
• MATLAB proficiency and strong electrical engineering fundamentals (digital protocols, signal integrity, power systems)

• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret 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:

• An MS degree with 10+ years of experience leading technical teams through complete system development lifecycles
• GPU programming experience (CUDA/OpenCL), MPSoC architecture expertise (Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+), or HWIL scene generation system development
• Background in 6-DOF simulation, weapon systems (missiles, seekers, interceptors), or RTOS experience (FreeRTOS, VxWorks, RedHat)
• Image compression implementation (JPEG2000, HTJ2K, H.264, H.265) or Python proficiency for test automation
• Flight electronics design experience, precision timing systems (IRIG-B, GPS, PTP), or optical systems knowledge
• Experience supporting hypersonic programs or high-speed flight test campaigns
• Active Top Secret and 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually