Senior Sensor Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Sensor Systems Engineer to advance radar, sensing, and data fusion capabilities across complex architectures. You will develop and evaluate signal processing algorithms, model and simulate performance, and guide system analyses from concept to transition.

Collaborate with government sponsors and multidisciplinary teams, drive verification and validation studies, mentor junior staff, and present data-driven recommendations

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have 5+ years of experience developing, evaluating, or assessing signal processing algorithms, radar systems, sensor systems, classification or discrimination algorithms, or sensing architectures.
• Demonstrated expertise in radar signal processing, radar systems engineering, waveform analysis, detection and estimation theory, sensor phenomenology, sensor modeling, target characterization or discrimination, electronic sensing systems, resource management, system performance assessment, verification and validation, or radar/EO/IR system analysis.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with tracking, state estimation, multi-sensor data fusion, or data association concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with government sponsors and delivering technical briefings.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Hold an active Secret clearance and ability to obtain TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, evaluation, and evolution of advanced signal processing, radar, sensing, classification, and sensor performance algorithms.
• Support concept development, requirements analysis, and architecture trades for advanced radar and sensor systems.
• Evaluate end-to-end radar and sensor system performance including detection, discrimination, classification, and operational effectiveness.
• Perform verification, validation, test data analysis, and performance assessment for prototypes and operations.
• Analyze complex sensor systems including radar phenomenology, sensor integration, and system-of-systems interactions.
• Design and execute modeling, simulation, analysis, verification, and validation studies to inform capabilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and sponsors to solve technical problems.
• Develop algorithmic prototypes and technical solutions advancing sensing and tracking capabilities.
• Lead technical studies, influence direction, and communicate results to sponsors and leadership.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to a rigorous engineering environment.

Skills

Radar signal processing

Sensor systems engineering

Data fusion

Performance assessment

Verification & validation

Technical briefings

Security clearance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related technical field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Julia

Job description

Are you excited about applying your expertise in signal processing, radar systems, and advanced sensing to solve some of the nation's most challenging defense problems? Do you enjoy developing and evaluating radar and sensor capabilities that directly impact mission success? If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Multi-Domain Sensing Architectures and Data Fusion Group develops advanced sensing, signal processing, radar system, classification, and mission analysis capabilities that enable next-generation defense solutions. Our team combines expertise in radar and sensor systems, waveform and phenomenology analysis, modeling and simulation, systems analysis, algorithm development, and selective data fusion to solve complex technical challenges for our nation. We work closely with government sponsors and multidisciplinary teams to transition innovative concepts into operational capabilities, while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages technical excellence, leadership, innovation, and professional growth.

The successful candidate will contribute across the lifecycle of advanced sensing capabilities, including radar and signal processing algorithm development, modeling and simulation, system analysis, architecture evaluation, verification and validation, test data analysis, and transition of innovative technologies into operational applications.

As a Senior Sensor Systems Engineer, You Will

• Lead the development, evaluation, and evolution of advanced signal processing, radar system, sensing, classification, and sensor performance algorithms within complex system and system-of-systems architectures.
• Support concept development, requirements analysis, and architecture trades for advanced radar and sensor systems.
• Evaluate end-to-end radar and sensor system performance, including detection, discrimination, classification, and operational effectiveness measures.
• Perform verification, validation, test data analysis, and performance assessment for prototype and operational sensing capabilities.
• Analyze complex sensor systems and architectures, including radar phenomenology, sensor integration, resource management, and system-of-systems interactions.
• Design and execute modeling, simulation, analysis, verification, and validation studies to assess system performance and develop quantitative recommendations for future capabilities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, government sponsors, and external organizations to identify, analyze, and solve challenging technical problems spanning signal processing, radar systems, sensor architectures, algorithms, and operational concepts.
• Develop innovative algorithmic prototypes, system analyses, and technical solutions that advance state-of-the-art sensing, tracking and classification capabilities.
• Lead technical studies, influence project direction, and communicate results through clear, data-driven briefings and recommendations to sponsors, senior leadership, and other key stakeholders.
• Mentor junior staff while contributing to a collaborative, technically rigorous, and mission-focused engineering environment.

Qualifications

• Possess a BS in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have 5+ years of experience developing, evaluating, or assessing signal processing algorithms, radar systems, sensor systems, classification or discrimination algorithms, or sensing architectures, including identifying and resolving complex technical and system design challenges.
• Have demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: radar signal processing, radar systems engineering, waveform analysis, detection and estimation theory, sensor phenomenology, sensor modeling, target characterization or discrimination, electronic sensing systems, resource management, system performance assessment, verification and validation, or radar/EO/IR system analysis.
• Have experience conducting modeling, simulation, verification and validation, test data analysis, or performance assessments using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia, or similar scientific programming languages.
• Have familiarity with tracking, state estimation, multi-sensor data fusion, or data association concepts as they relate to end-to-end sensing performance.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience collaborating with government sponsors and developing and delivering technical briefings to sponsors, senior leadership, and other external organizations.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess an MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have 7+ years of experience leading the development, evaluation, or analysis of advanced radar systems, signal processing algorithms, sensor systems, missile defense sensing capabilities, or multi-domain sensing architectures.
• Have experience with air and missile defense, Missile Defense Agency programs, integrated air and missile defense, sensor resource management, multi-domain sensing, digital engineering, system-of-systems analysis, or advanced modeling and simulation.
• Have experience leading radar or sensor system development efforts from concept development through algorithm prototyping, performance assessment, test planning, and transition to operational applications.
• Have experience leading technical teams, mentoring junior staff, influencing technical direction, or serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects.
• Have experience collaborating with government sponsors and developing and delivering technical briefings to sponsors, senior leadership, and other external organizations.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI 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.

Why Work at APL?

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: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually