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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory · 4 months ago

2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer

Laurel, Maryland

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$102K/yr - $228K/yr

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking newly graduating PhD engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and scientists to join their Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group. The role involves conducting research, design, modeling, simulation, and analysis related to seeker and sensor technology for advanced weapons and autonomous systems.

EducationUniversities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Have the opportunity to conduct cutting edge seeker and sensor research, design, modeling, simulation and analysis while collaborating with adjacent technical domains in the development of next generation autonomous systems and weapons

Develop innovative ways of simulating and predicting seeker and sensor performance in complex operational environments

Lab test seeker and sensor hardware and software to identify operational capabilities and limitations

Work closely with seeker and sensor subject matter experts who will train and mentor you on your path to attaining deeper technical knowledge and experience

Collaborate with our teams of engineers and interact with government sponsors, including platform designers in multi-disciplinary optimization studies for early phase vehicle development

Have the opportunity to continue your education through a variety of educational opportunities such as technical short courses, graduate degree programs, and many more

Qualification

In Electrical EngineeringRF System DesignEO/IR System DesignDigital Signal/Image ProcessingDetectionClassification AlgorithmsResearch experienceCreative problem solvingCollaboration

Required

Have a PhD in an Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics

Are passionate about creative problem solving and applying your skills to the design and development of our nation's next generation weapons and autonomous systems

Have academic background and interest in one or more of the technical areas listed above

Have conducted research; completed one or more internships; and/or possess practical skills in RF, EO/IR or related fields

Are able to obtain an Interim Secret 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

Have classroom, project or internship experience working with seekers, sensors and/or autonomous systems

Have familiarity with complimentary disciplines such as: modeling, simulation and analysis; design optimization; software or algorithm development; and hardware testing

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