Sensor Systems Engineer - Radar Signal Processing and Sensor Systems

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks a Sensor Systems Engineer - Radar Signal Processing and Sensor Systems to contribute across the lifecycle of advanced sensing capabilities. You will develop radar signal processing algorithms, perform modeling and validation, and work on complex system analyses within a collaborative, mission-focused environment.

The role targets engineers with 1–2 years of experience who are eager to deepen technical skills, take ownership of tasks, and grow into

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, or related technical field.
• 1+ years of relevant experience developing, evaluating, or assessing signal processing algorithms, radar systems, sensor systems, classification or discrimination algorithms, sensing architectures, modeling/simulation capabilities, or related analyses.
• Experience in radar signal processing, detection/estimation theory, waveform analysis, sensor phenomenology, sensor modeling, or sensor system analysis.
• MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia, or similar for modeling, simulation, algorithm development, test data analysis, or performance assessment.
• Demonstrated technical ownership or emerging leadership through a project, internship, capstone, or multidisciplinary task.
• Ability to communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time.
• Active security clearance (Secret) with potential for TS/SCI; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and mature signal processing, radar system, sensing, classification, and discrimination algorithms within complex system architectures.
• Own focused tasks, analyses, prototypes, or modeling efforts from problem definition to results and recommendations.
• Support concept development, requirements analysis, architecture trades, and performance assessment for radar and sensor systems.
• Evaluate radar and sensor system performance including detection, estimation, discrimination, and classification.
• Perform verification, validation, data analysis, and performance assessment for prototypes and operational capabilities.
• Analyze radar/sensor systems and architectures, including phenomenology, waveform considerations, and system interactions.
• Design and conduct modeling, simulation, analysis, verification, and validation studies to derive quantitative recommendations.
• Collaborate with sponsors and partners to solve problems spanning signal processing, radar, architectures, and concepts.
• Demonstrate technical leadership by coordinating with teammates and delivering data-driven recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Technical leadership

Education

BS in electrical engineering / related field

MS in electrical engineering / related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Julia

Job description

Description

Are you excited to apply your technical skills to develop radar and sensor capabilities that help solve critical defense challenges? Do you want to help develop and evaluate sensing capabilities that move from analysis and prototyping to mission impact? 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 radar, signal processing, sensor system, classification, discrimination, 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, hands‑on learning, technical ownership, and leadership 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. This role is designed for engineers with 1-2 years of relevant experience who are ready to deepen their technical skills, take ownership of focused technical tasks, and grow into technical leadership responsibilities.

As a Sensor Systems Engineer - Radar Signal Processing and Sensor Systems ...

• Develop, evaluate, and mature signal processing, radar system, sensing, classification, and discrimination algorithms within complex system and system-of-systems architectures.
• Take ownership of focused technical tasks, analyses, prototypes, or modeling efforts and drive them from problem definition through results and recommendations.
• Support concept development, requirements analysis, architecture trades, and performance assessment for advanced radar and sensor systems.
• Evaluate end-to-end radar and sensor system performance, including detection, estimation, discrimination, classification, and operational effectiveness measures.
• Perform verification, validation, test data analysis, and performance assessment for prototype and operational sensing capabilities.
• Analyze radar and sensor systems and architectures, including sensor phenomenology, waveform considerations, 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.
• Demonstrate technical leadership by organizing your technical approach, coordinating with teammates, communicating risks and findings, and delivering clear, data-driven recommendations.
• Develop algorithmic prototypes, system analyses, and technical solutions that advance applied sensing, radar, discrimination, and classification capabilities.
• Apply tracking and data fusion concepts where they support broader sensor system performance objectives, without making them the primary focus of the role.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a BS in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have 1+ years of relevant professional experience developing, evaluating, or assessing signal processing algorithms, radar systems, sensor systems, classification or discrimination algorithms, sensing architectures, modeling and simulation capabilities, or related technical analyses.
• Have experience in one or more of the following areas: radar signal processing, detection and estimation theory, waveform analysis, 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 using MATLAB, Python, C/C++, Julia, or similar scientific programming languages for modeling, simulation, algorithm development, test data analysis, or performance assessment.
• Have demonstrated technical ownership or emerging leadership through a project, internship, lab effort, capstone, sponsored project, or multidisciplinary technical task.
• Can communicate technical results clearly through briefings, technical discussions, written analysis, and data-driven recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Are willing and able to travel up to 10% of the time, as needed.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and ultimately a TS/SCI clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security 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 qualifications if you...

• Possess an MS in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, or a related technical field.
• Have applied experience in radar systems, missile defense sensing, air and missile defense, integrated air and missile defense, multi-domain sensing, or related national security applications.
• Have experience taking an algorithm, model, or analysis capability from initial concept through prototype implementation, performance evaluation, and recommended next steps.
• Have experience with measured data, field test data, high-fidelity simulation data, or hardware/software-in-the-loop evaluation for radar or sensor systems.
• Have experience coordinating a small technical effort, mentoring peers or interns, leading a student or early-career project team, or serving as a technical point of contact for a project stakeholder.
• Have familiarity with digital engineering, system-of-systems analysis, sensor resource management, architecture evaluation, or advanced modeling and simulation.
• Have familiarity with tracking, state estimation, multi-sensor data fusion, or data association concepts as supporting elements of end-to-end sensing performance.
• Have experience collaborating with government sponsors, defense laboratories, industry partners, or multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

#LI-KW1

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually