Sr. Radar Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a Senior Radar System Engineer with at least 5 years of experience. You will help develop advanced Navy and land-based missile defense systems while working in a collaborative environment.

Requirements include a BS in Electrical Engineering or Physics, and a strong understanding of radar systems and experience with Python and MATLAB. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• A BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of engineering-related experience related to sensing.
• Strong understanding of radar systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross-disciplinary team.
• Develop and refine physics-based simulations.
• Apply machine learning and data science techniques to real-world challenges.

Skills

Radar systems

Physics-based modeling

Data science

Python

Interpersonal skills

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent

Tools

MATLAB

Git

Jira

Job description

Description

Are you eager to apply your expertise in radar systems, physics, modeling and simulation, and/or data science to high impact defense challenges, and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment? If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking Senior Radar System Engineers with at least 5 years of experience to help field the next generation of Advanced Surface Navy sensors and Land-based Cruise Missile Defense sensor networks, defending against some of the world's most challenging threats in challenging operational environments.

Why Join Us

• MissionDriven Impact: Contribute directly to the development and fielding of next‑generation Navy Radar/EO/IR, electronic warfare, and land‑based cruise missile defense sensor networks that protect service members against the world’s toughest threats.
• CuttingEdge Innovation: Work with physics‑based modeling and simulation (M&S), advanced data analysis, and machine learning techniques to create innovative sensor performance tools.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team of sensor engineers, RF propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat system engineers, and physicists—all focused on solving complex, mission‑critical problems.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze live tactical sensor data with a cross‑disciplinary team to deliver mission‑driven solutions.
• Identify and solve problems that impact mission requirements.
• Build and apply M&S tools, data analysis platforms, and machine learning algorithms to large data sets; develop novel algorithms that solve real‑world problems.
• Develop and refine physics‑based simulations that provide new insight into radar, EO/IR, and electronic warfare system performance in realistic operational environments.
• Develop novel instrumentation and algorithms for understanding RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signal measurements.
• Identify emergent phenomenology, troubleshoot problems affecting sensor performance, and work with a broad network of experts – including prime contractors, government labs, RF propagation and meteorology specialists, software developers, combat system engineers, and physicists – to deliver integrated solutions.
• Apply machine learning, signal processing, and data science techniques to unprecedented real‑world challenges.
• Advance the state of the art in our core technology areas: signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary‑layer meteorology.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have…

• A BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM technical discipline, with some sensor systems engineering experience.
• At least 5 years of engineering‑related experience related to sensing.
• Strong understanding of radar systems, and/or physics‑based phenomena affecting radar or communications systems.
• Some familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or equivalent tools, and have had some exposure to modern development process (git, GitLab, Jira, or equivalent).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 5% of the time as needed.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/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…

• Have a MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent STEM technical discipline, and/or additional years of relevant experience.
• Experience with advanced DoW sensors and combat systems, particularly in the areas described above.
• Have experience leading technical teams.
• Have an existing Top Secret clearance.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

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].