Software Engineer - Cyber Capability Development

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 software engineer to develop advanced cyber capabilities for defense and intelligence. You will work on cyber-physical systems, applying AI, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver real-world operations.

The role requires strong programming in C/C++/Python, experience with cyber operations, and the ability to obtain a security clearance. APL offers a collaborative culture, strong benefits, and opportunities across national security missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience developing, analyzing, or exploiting complex software systems.
• Experience managing technical projects and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in cyber operations techniques such as hardware, software/firmware analysis, network/protocol analysis, vulnerability research, reverse engineering, or exploit development.
• Familiarity with autonomous or uncrewed platforms, C2 systems, sensing and surveillance tech, IoT, networking, or embedded systems.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++ or Python.
• Ability to rapidly learn new technologies and apply engineering principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Eligibility to obtain a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop software systems that create novel mission capabilities against cyber-physical systems.
• Apply AI and agentic AI to automate cyber operations and improve decision-making.
• Lead R&D efforts by architecting solutions and mentoring multidisciplinary teams.
• Identify emerging technologies and define new research directions for cyber operations.
• Mentor engineers and foster collaboration across teams.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Autonomous platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree or Ph.D. in a related technical discipline

Job description

Description

Excited by the challenge of discovering, understanding, and exploiting the hardware and software that powers modern surveillance and autonomous systems?

Interested in applying AI, automation, and agentic systems to accelerate cyber analysis, vulnerability discovery, and exploit development against complex real-world technologies?

Ready to lead technical teams in turning cyber research into operational capabilities that give U.S. operators new ways to understand, disrupt, and defeat emerging threats?

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

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group is seeking a software engineer to develop advanced cyber capabilities that address some of the toughest challenges facing the defense and intelligence communities. Our group focuses on technologies that sense, analyze, plan, communicate, and operate in the real world, including surveillance systems and uncrewed platforms. As these technologies become more pervasive and interconnected, they create new sources of intelligence as well as new vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to support national security operations. We tackle these problems through close collaboration, rapid experimentation, and a willingness to explore unconventional approaches— but we stay focused on outcomes. Our goal is to develop cyber capabilities that work in the real world and help U.S. operators understand, access, disrupt, and exploit these systems to gain decisive advantage!

As a member of our team, you will…

• Develop software systems that create novel mission capabilities against complex cyber-physical systems and emerging technologies.
• Apply AI and agentic AI to automate cyber operations, accelerate analysis, enable intelligent decision‑making, and deliver operational effects.
• Lead advanced research and development efforts by architecting technical solutions, managing multidisciplinary engineering teams, and transitioning innovative capabilities to government sponsors and operational users.
• Shape the future of cyber‑physical operations by identifying emerging technologies, engaging with sponsors, and defining new research directions that address evolving intelligence and operational challenges.
• Grow technical excellence by mentoring engineers and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or another discipline relevant to the duties as described above.
• 5 or more years of experience developing, analyzing, or exploiting complex software systems.
• Experience managing technical projects and/or leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience in cyber operations techniques such as hardware analysis, software and firmware analysis, network and protocol analysis, vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and/or exploit development.
• Familiarity with autonomous or uncrewed platforms, command-and-control systems, sensing and surveillance technologies, internet‑of‑things products, wired/wireless networking infrastructure, mobile devices, or other similar software‑defined systems.
• Strong programming skills in one or more modern languages such as C, C++ or Python.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn new technologies and apply fundamental engineering principles to solve challenging technical problems.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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…

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline.
• Advanced experience developing tools for network traffic analysis, protocol discovery, system characterization, or automated analysis of unfamiliar systems.
• Advanced experience in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or analysis of embedded software and firmware.
• Experience applying AI/ML, including agentic AI, to automate software engineering, cyber analysis, vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, or other complex technical workflows.
• Hold an active Top Secret security 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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually