Senior Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Education assistance

Training and development

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking a Software Engineer specializing in software and prototyping. The role involves developing advanced planning solutions for warfighters and requires significant experience in Python and C++.

The ideal candidate will work on military planning tools and provide technical presentations. A comprehensive benefits package is offered alongside a competitive salary between $105,000 and $290,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with Python, C++, or similar programming languages.
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, written, oral, and social communication skills.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of military planning tools, including models and simulations.
• Perform object‑oriented design, algorithm design, and implementation.
• Refactor code, test software, and produce documentation.

Skills

Python

C++

Object-oriented design

Algorithm design

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Education

BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

Advanced degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Software development pipelines

Containerization

Cloud deployments

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a software engineer specializing in software and prototyping to join our team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). This role focuses on developing advanced planning capabilities and solutions for warfighters, working on large codebases, and designing physics‑based models for Air & Missile Defense (AMD) systems.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of military planning tools, including models and simulations written primarily in Python and C++.
• Perform object‑oriented design, algorithm design, and implementation from design specifications.
• Refactor code, test software, and produce associated documentation.
• Conduct research, studies, and analysis to support decision makers.
• Deliver formal technical presentations to sponsors and the engineering community.
• Communicate proposed concepts and analysis results effectively.
• Produce documentation capturing concept definitions, requirements, analysis results, and technical recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience with Python, C++, or similar programming languages.
• Experience implementing software from requirements.
• Skilled in rapidly implementing novel solutions and evaluating their efficacy.
• Desire to work with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
• Experience leading projects.
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, written, oral, and social communication skills.
• Willingness to meet with military warfighters to discover their needs.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by start date and subsequently a Secret level clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• At least 7 years of software development experience.
• Knowledge of software profiling, optimization, testing, static and dynamic code analysis.
• Experience with containerization, orchestration, and cloud deployments.
• Experience working with software development pipelines.
• Passion for applying new tools and methodologies to existing challenges.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while producing high‑quality software.
• Experience interacting with end‑user needs to support solution development.
• Working knowledge of U.S. military organization and systems (Navy, Army, Air Force, or Space Force).
• Already possess at least a Final Secret security clearance.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $105,000 annually
Maximum Rate: $290,000 annually

Benefits

APL offers 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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].