Analog Electronics Design Engineer for Space Instruments

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory seeks an Analog Electronics Design Engineer in Laurel, MD to develop, test, and qualify spaceflight instruments. You will work on low-noise detectors, preamps, and mixed-signal circuits for missions such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly.

You will oversee breadboarding, testing, and space qualification, collaborating with engineers and scientists to ensure instrument performance meets demanding requirements; eligibility for a Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related physical science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analog and front-end circuit design.
• Understanding of detector operation and signal chain electronics (low-noise preamplifiers, high-speed pulse amplifiers, ADCs).
• Basic scripting ability to automate measurement sequences.
• Proficiency in CAD and simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Circuit design, simulation, and testing of analog electronics for low-noise detector applications.
• Circuit design and testing of mixed-signal electronics for spaceflight instrumentation.
• Overseeing breadboarding, testing, fabrication, and space qualification of electronics.
• Design, test, and integration of engineering model and flight model electronics.
• Collection, processing, calibration, and data analysis to verify board-level requirements.
• Design review preparation and presentation.
• Test plan generation and documentation.

Skills

Analog electronics

Front-end design

Low-noise design

Scripting

Team collaboration

Clearance eligibility

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

M.S. or PhD in EE

Tools

CAD software

Simulation tools

Job description

Description

Are you an analog electronics engineer who wants to see your designs operate on spacecraft exploring our solar system?

Do you enjoy solving complex challenges in analog and mixed-signal electronics, from custom sensor and low-noise design to flight qualification and testing?

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

The Space Science Electronics Group at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory builds instruments and electronics systems that generate data used in scientific research. Our group of approximately 40 engineers brings technical expertise across all aspects of instrument development, including systems engineering, digital and analog electronics design, FPGA design, and software design. We work closely with engineers and scientists across the Laboratory to develop instruments for spaceflight missions.

Examples of our work include the instrument suite on the MESSENGER spacecraft, instruments for Europa Clipper, imagers on DART, and many other missions. We are currently developing instruments for Dragonfly and NOAA SOLAR missions. The instruments we build include magnetometers, optical imagers, particle instruments, and gamma-ray and neutron spectrometers.

We are seeking talented analog electronics engineers to contribute to the design, implementation, production, and testing of spaceflight instrumentation. If you are passionate about analog electronics and instrumentation for spaceflight missions, we would be excited to have you join our team.

Analog Electronics Design Engineer, your primary responsibilities will be:

• Circuit design, simulation, and testing of analog electronics. Applications include low-noise and high-speed detector and anode preamps, CCD imaging detector bias and clocking, low-voltage power supplies, and motor control.
• Circuit design and testing of mixed-signal electronics to stimulate and emulate space flight electronics.
• Oversight of breadboarding, testing, and fabrication, and space qualification of the above.
• Design, test and integration of engineering model and flight model electronics.
• Collection, processing, calibration, and analysis of data to demonstrate instrument adherence to board level measurement requirements.
• Design review preparation and presentation.
• Test plan generation and documentation.

Qualifications

You will meet our minimum requirements if you have...

• A Bachelor 's degree in Electrical Engineering, or related physical science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analog and front-end circuit design.
• An understanding of basic detector operation and signal chain electronics (low-noise preamplifiers, high-speed pulse amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, etc.).
• A basic knowledge of syntax for scripting, preferably with the ability to script automated measurement sequences.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design and simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• The ability to obtain a Secret level security 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• A MSEE or PhD in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in analog and front-end circuit design.
• Space-qualified electronics design experience (part selection, derating, worst case analysis).
• Other digital, analog or ASIC circuit design experience.
• Leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Relevant space flight hardware experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and mentor early-career engineers.

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 athttps://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 [e-mail].

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually