Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 BS/MS Rotational Discovery Program

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Recent B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
  • Active government security clearance
  • Experience through internships, research, or practical projects
  • Demonstrated initiative in technical projects or extracurricular activities
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to adapt and contribute to new technical areas
  • Interest in solving complex engineering and research problems for U.S. government agencies

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to various projects utilizing a diverse skill set
  • Collaborate with technical experts to enhance project outcomes
  • Engage in targeted training and mentorship for professional growth
  • Design and pitch a solution during a dedicated Innovation Challenge
  • Explore multiple technical areas through rotational opportunities

Benefits

  • Two-year rotational program for rapid skill development
  • Extensive professional development and training
  • Mentorship from experienced professionals
  • Opportunity to work on national security challenges
  • Exposure to diverse technical areas and projects
Full Job Description
Description

Do you love to solve complex engineering, analytical, or research problems?

Are you interested in exploring different domains such as defense systems, undersea warfare, national security, and space systems?

If you are a recent graduate with a BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering with an active government security clearance and a desire to make critical contributions to critical challenges, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking talented and highly motivated early career electrical/computer engineers to join the Discovery Program, APL's two-year rotational program. The program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable experience across multiple technical areas. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while exploring a breadth of professional interests. You will apply innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges, collaborate with experts, and develop a strong foundation for your career.

As a member of the Discovery Program, you will...
  • Contribute to a varied set of projects, employing and honing a wide range of skills to meet unique mission needs.
  • Collaborate with technical experts to drive impact.
  • Accelerate your technical and professional development through targeted training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
  • Innovate through a dedicated Innovation Challenge Project, where you'll design and pitch a solution to a complex technical problem.

Technical areas of interest:
  • Electrical Engineering: signal processing, telecommunications, digital engineering, control systems, RF and electromagnetics, electrical systems, instrumentation, optics and photonics
  • Computer Engineering: software engineering, hardware engineering, modeling and simulation, embedded systems

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have recently completed a B.S. or M.S. degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
  • Currently have an active security clearance.
  • Have strong technical experience, as proven through demonstrated impact in at least one internship, research experience, and/or project outside of the classroom.
  • Have demonstrated initiative that has enabled excellence in technical projects, professional experiences, and/or extracurricular activities.
  • Thrive in a collaborative team environment with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Have demonstrated the ability to quickly contribute to projects in technical areas that are new to you.
  • Are interested in solving complex research, engineering, and/or analytical problems that present critical challenges to U.S. government agencies including the Department of Defense.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have engaged in multiple internships, research experiences, or projects outside of the classroom.
  • Have leadership experience.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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