Stealth Network R&D Engineer

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) in Laurel, MD seeks a hands-on Network Effects R&D Engineer to advance stealthy communications research in denied environments. You will design threat-representative topologies, write automation software, and mentor teams to deliver low-profile capabilities for mission partners.

This role blends research with development and field testing, requiring a TS/SCI-level eligibility and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field.
• At least three years of experience developing software, prototyping systems, or performing T&E.
• Hands-on software development in Python, C/C++, or Rust.
• Understanding of TCP/IP internals and Linux traffic analysis with Wireshark/tcpdump/Scapy.
• Strong communication and teamwork; willing to travel up to 25% for field testing.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or higher; U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and qualify a portfolio of network- and comms-enabled capabilities.
• Design, build, and orchestrate threat-representative network topologies and software-defined systems.
• Write software for automation, traffic generation, and analysis for test/evaluation.
• Collaborate with mission partners to translate operational challenges into low-profile solutions.
• Mentor technical teams and drive robust clandestine capabilities.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Rust

Wireshark

tcpdump

Scapy

Linux networking

Network protocol knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field

Master’s degree or higher

Tools

Kubernetes

GNS3

CORE

Mininet

EVE-NG

GNU Radio

USRP

HackRF

Job description

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a hands-on Network Effects R&D Engineer to advance stealthy communications research in denied environments. You will design threat-representative topologies, write automation software, and mentor teams to deliver low-profile capabilities for mission partners.

This role blends research with development and field testing, requiring a TS/SCI-level eligibility and willingness to travel.