Weapon Control R&D Intern: AI/ML & Defense Systems

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an intern to join the Weapon Control Concepts Development Group. The role focuses on research and rapid prototype development for U.S.

missile defense systems, including algorithm development, modeling, and testing of weapon control concepts. The position emphasizes applying AI/ML techniques, data fusion, and tracking for discrimination tasks, with real-world systems exposure and collaboration within a high‑performance team

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or similar with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Familiarity with programming, object‑oriented design, and Linux.
• Experience or exposure to MATLAB, C++, and/or Java.
• Willingness to apply software engineering techniques to difficult problems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance by start date; eligible for Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development related to U.S. Missile Defense systems.
• Assist in development, testing, and analysis of weapon control concepts.
• Participate in modeling, simulation, and algorithm development for systems.
• Develop AI/ML-based concepts and technical solutions.
• Apply data fusion and tracking concepts for object tracking and discrimination.
• Utilize advanced programming languages to build and test solutions.
• Develop prototypes and transition ideas to fielded systems.
• Collaborate in a team to uphold core values and drive innovation and quality.

Skills

Programming knowledge

OO design

Linux

MATLAB

C++

Java

Communication skills

US citizenship eligibility

Interim Secret clearance eligibility

Python scripting

Education

Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; GPA ≥3.0

Tools

Linux

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an intern to join the Weapon Control Concepts Development Group. The role focuses on research and rapid prototype development for U.S.

missile defense systems, including algorithm development, modeling, and testing of weapon control concepts. The position emphasizes applying AI/ML techniques, data fusion, and tracking for discrimination tasks, with real-world systems exposure and collaboration within a high‑performance team