Sr. Radar Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced sensor systems engineer with a strong radar background to analyze live data and develop advanced modeling tools. You will collaborate across disciplines to solve mission-critical problems in defense, security, space, and science sectors.

Applicants should have a BS in a relevant STEM field with 5+ years of sensing experience; MS/PhD is preferred. U.S.

Qualifications

• A BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field with sensor systems engineering experience.
• At least 5 years of engineering experience related to sensing.
• Strong grasp of radar systems and physics-based effects influencing radar/communications performance.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools, and exposure to Git/GitLab/Jira workflows.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% as needed.
• US citizenship and Interim Secret clearance by start, with potential for Top Secret/SCI access.
• MS/PhD in EE/Physics or related disciplines preferred.
• Experience with advanced DoD sensors and combat systems preferred.
• Existing Top Secret clearance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross-functional team to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• Identify and resolve issues affecting mission requirements.
• Build and apply modeling/simulation tools, data-analysis platforms, and ML methods to large datasets; develop new algorithms for real-world problems.
• Create and refine physics-based simulations to improve radar, EO/IR, and EW system performance in realistic environments.
• Develop instrumentation and algorithms to understand RF propagation by measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signals.
• Detect emergent phenomenology, troubleshoot sensor-performance issues, and collaborate with a wide network of experts including contractors and government labs.
• Apply machine learning, signal processing, and data science to challenging real-world problems.
• Advance core tech areas such as signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary-layer meteorology.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Travel willingness

Python

MATLAB

Git

GitLab

Jira

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering or Physics

MS or PhD in EE/Physics (preferred)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Git

GitLab

Jira

Job description

Requirements

Must have:

• We are looking for a BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM field, along with sensor systems engineering experience.
• We require at least 5 years of engineering experience related to sensing.
• We need a strong grasp of radar systems and/or the physics-based effects that influence radar or communications performance.
• We value familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools, plus exposure to modern development workflows such as git, GitLab, or Jira.
• We expect strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• We require willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.
• You must be able to obtain an Interim Secret clearance by your start date and ultimately qualify for Top Secret/SCI access; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Preferred qualifications include an MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another relevant STEM discipline, or additional relevant experience.
• Preferred qualifications also include experience with advanced DoD sensors and combat systems.
• We prefer candidates with experience leading technical teams.
• An existing Top Secret clearance is considered a plus.

Responsibilities:

• We analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross-functional team to deliver mission-focused solutions.
• We identify and resolve issues that affect mission requirements.
• We build and apply modeling and simulation tools, data-analysis platforms, and machine-learning methods to large data sets, and we develop new algorithms that address real-world problems.
• We create and refine physics-based simulations that improve insight into radar, EO/IR, and electronic-warfare system performance in realistic operating environments.
• We develop novel instrumentation and algorithms to understand RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signals.
• We detect emerging phenomenology, troubleshoot sensor-performance issues, and collaborate with a wide network of experts, including prime contractors, government laboratories, RF-propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat-system engineers, and physicists.
• We apply machine learning, signal processing, and data science techniques to challenging real-world problems.
• We advance our core technology areas, including signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary-layer meteorology.

Company:

We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where we bring world‑class expertise to critical defense, security, space, and science challenges. We offer a vibrant and welcoming culture that encourages authenticity, collaboration, creativity, and professional growth. Our team enjoys generous benefits, including robust education assistance, strong retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. The role offers a salary range of $100,000 to $245,000 annually, with possible additional compensation such as sign‑on bonuses, relocation support, locality allowance, or discretionary payments.