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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory · 3 months ago

2026 PhD Graduate - Radar, Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Data Science

Laurel, Maryland

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$102K/yr - $228K/yr

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking highly motivated PhD graduates in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields to join their team. The role involves participating in live radar testing, developing simulations, and applying machine learning and signal processing to defense-related challenges.

EducationUniversities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Participate in live radar testing and analyze recorded data to gain insights into system performance, particularly with regard to environmental effects/physics

Develop and apply detailed, physics-based simulations written in Java, C/C++, Matlab, and Python

Learn and creatively apply machine learning, signal processing, and data science to real-world problems that no one else has previously solved

Develop novel instrumentation and algorithms for understanding RF propagation effects by directly measuring, recording, and analyzing RF signal measurements

Learn, apply skills, and advance the state of the art in our core technology areas of: signal processing, electromagnetics, software development, and boundary-layer meteorology

Develop skills to lead technical teams toward common goals

Directly communicate your results to sponsors and contractors to guide the directions of DoD programs toward technical success

Qualification

Machine LearningSignal ProcessingData SciencePythonMatlabC/C++RF PropagationCreative Problem-SolvingTeam LeadershipCommunication Skills

Required

Have a PhD degree in EE, ECE, CS, Physics, or a similar technical field, with an GPA above 3.5

Are familiar with Python, Matlab, or equivalent, or have had some exposure to modern development process (git, GitLab, Jira, or equivalent)

Have a strong understanding of, and interest in, machine learning, data science, signal processing, and/or electromagnetic theory

Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret 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

Preferred

Also have cross-discipline technical degrees, including minors, in EE, ECE, CS, Physics in addition to a PhD

Have radar or RF research experience (hardware, antennas, remote sensing, tracking, etc.)

Have internship experience related to DoD research, DoD contractors, or the advanced-technology industry

Benefits

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development

Company

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis.

Founded in 1942