Software Engineer (TS/SCI cleared)

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Software Engineer to design, implement, test, and deploy software that supports national security missions in a collaborative, fast‑paced team. You will apply software engineering best practices and cutting-edge research to build rapid prototypes and mature product solutions.

You will gather requirements from users, lead design reviews, document progress, and explore innovative ways to improve tools and processes while adhering to

Qualifications

• BS in CS/CE or related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Java or Python.
• Web development with modern JS frameworks (Vue.js, ReactJS, Angular).
• Experience with Docker.
• Ability to work with loosely defined requirements.
• Familiarity with relational (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL) or non-relational databases (MongoDB, CouchDB, HBase).
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• U.S. citizenship and TS/SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and deploy software applications in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Interact with users to understand operations and gather requirements.
• Lead design reviews to gather feedback on system design, integration, and testing.
• Document and present work on current research and development activities.
• Seek new and innovative ways to improve task efficiency and document software approaches.
• Establish relationships across organizational boundaries to increase collaboration.

Skills

Java

Python

Requirements gathering

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Tools

Docker

SQL (MS SQL Server/MySQL/Postgres)

React/Vue/Angular

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about building solutions for our greatest national security challenges? Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development? Do you value working in a creative and collaborative environment? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. The Threat Analytic Systems (QAI) Group wants talented staff who can work as part of a team to design, implement, test, document, and maintain software applications that provide highly impactful capabilities. You will combine software engineering best practices with the latest software research to build rapid prototypes and then turn them into mature product solutions.

As a Software Engineer you will...

• Design, implement, test, and deploy software applications in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Interact with users to understand their operations and gather requirements.
• Lead design reviews to gather feedback on system design, integration, and testing.
• Document and present work on current research and development activities.
• Seek new and innovative ways to improve task efficiency and document software approaches.
• Establish relationships across organizational boundaries to increase collaboration.

Qualifications

You’ll meet our minimum requirements if you have...

• A B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or a related field of study, with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience
• Experience with a high level language, including significant experience with Java or Python.
• Experience with web development using modern JavaScript frameworks (Vue.js, ReactJS, Angular etc.)
• Experience with containerized software tools, such as Docker.
• Comfort working with loosely defined or high-level requirements (as opposed to a fully defined project schedule).
• Ability to creatively contribute towards developing new requirements by identifying customer needs and applying expertise and knowledge of available methods, tools, and concepts to those needs. This experience should include setting requirements, defining architecture, scoping work for and tasking team members.
• Familiarity with relational databases (Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres, SQL etc.) or non-relational databases (MongoDB, CouchDB, HBase etc.)
• Experience working successfully within a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+poly 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 have...

• A M.S. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Experience with relational databases (Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Postgres, SQL etc.) and non-relational databases (MongoDB, CouchDB, HBase etc.) in the areas of query optimization, database design, and scalability.
• Experience with agentic coding tools (e.g., Codex, Claude Code, OpenCode).
• Experience with cloud-deployment solutions, such as AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes.
• Experience developing software in AWS ecosystem using AWS services such as S3, EC2, Lambda, etc.
• Experience in projects with well-defined testing methodologies.
• Experience with semantic web technologies and ontologies.
• Expertise with CSS and web design.
• Experience with DoD and/or IC customers.

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