Senior Network Software Engineer — Secure Communications & Networks

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Network Software Engineer to design, develop, and test secure communications and networking software for government programs. You will work on protocol implementation, distributed systems, and real‑time capabilities to enable decision makers and warfighters in challenging environments.

The role emphasizes Linux development, networking proficiency, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, with opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• At least five years of relevant software development experience, ideally on Linux.
• Strong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS).
• Proficiency with C, C++, Python, Rust, or Bash scripting in development.
• Experience debugging networked systems using tcpdump, Wireshark, netstat, or ss.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical contributions and leadership in developing software for critical government communications systems.
• Provide thought leadership and team collaboration to propose creative approaches for hard problems in communications systems and application software.
• Architect, develop, integrate, and test software-based command and control, secure communication, and networking systems in realistic environments with sponsor collaboration.
• Interact with technical specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Document work in technical reports and memoranda and present findings to sponsors and the technical community.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Rust

Bash scripting

Networking basics

Linux

tcpdump/Wireshark

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE or related

Tools

tcpdump

Wireshark

netstat

ss

Kubernetes

CNI plugins

service meshes

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Network Software Engineer to design, develop, and test secure communications and networking software for government programs. You will work on protocol implementation, distributed systems, and real‑time capabilities to enable decision makers and warfighters in challenging environments.

The role emphasizes Linux development, networking proficiency, and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, with opportunities for professional growth