Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Cybersecurity Engineer - Constrained Cyber Solutions

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

Qualifications

  • Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant STEM fields.
  • Experience with programming languages such as Python, C, C++, or Java.
  • Background in advanced cryptography, RF-enabled cyber, embedded solutions, offensive security, or space cybersecurity.
  • Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance and ultimately a TS/SCI clearance.
  • Previous internships or personal projects in listed technical areas are a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Research and develop advanced cryptographic methods.
  • Apply radio frequency and cyber concepts to enhance capabilities.
  • Engineered hardware solutions for cybersecurity in constrained systems.
  • Analyze cyber vulnerabilities and assess mission impacts.
  • Develop cybersecurity methods for space systems.

Benefits

  • Generous education assistance program to further professional growth.
  • Robust retirement contributions for financial security.
  • Encouraged work/life balance through flexible schedules and supportive culture.
Full Job Description
Description

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field, and want to contribute to cyber solutions that defend US constrained military and space systems, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking computer scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to help us build novel solutions for numerous US Government sponsor agencies and departments. Together, we solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of software, hardware, and cyber operations. Our team works collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to study, design, develop, implement, and test cyber capabilities applied to air, space, afloat, ground, and undersea platforms and systems. We value creativity, collaboration, and the open exchange of ideas, and we believe in learning, experimenting, and professional growth.

As a member of our team...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to work on state-of-the art areas of research and development such as, but not limited to:
    • Advanced Cryptography: Research, develop, and operationalize novel encryption methodologies.
    • RF-Enabled Cyber: Apply radio frequency (RF) and cyber concepts for capability development, integration, test, and evaluation.
    • Embedded Solutions: Apply hardware design and engineering for constrained system cyber use cases.
    • Offensive Security: Analyze potential cyber vulnerabilities in systems and understand their mission impact
    • Space Cybersecurity: Research and grow space system cybersecurity methods and capabilities for system resilience and cyber advantage.
  • You will research capability gaps in current platforms and build solutions as part of a team with a variety of STEM-related backgrounds (systems engineering, software, hardware, physics, mathematics).
  • You will work alongside extraordinary cyber and engineering professionals to solve challenges vital to national security.
  • You'll gain experience giving technical briefings and presentations.
  • You will have access to internal funding opportunities to craft the direction of future research.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field a related field.
  • Have experience with at least one of the following: Python, Rust, VHDL, Verilog, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, or another popular programming language.
  • Have an educational background or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following categories:
    • Advanced Cryptography: Experience in algorithm development or understanding of current cryptographic approaches. Experience implementing cryptographic algorithms using languages such as C, C++, and Python.
    • RF-Enabled Cyber: RF networking and communications experience or background.
    • Embedded Solutions: Low-level programming in C, C++, or Rust; FGPA development skills; or analog circuit design experience.
    • Offensive Security: Experience cyber vulnerability assessment or reverse engineering of either hardware or software systems.
    • Space Cybersecurity: Experience with space vehicle design, emulation, or familiarity with flight software development.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have previous relevant experience in internships, professional roles, or personal work in the categories listed under the minimum requirements.
  • Have skills working with a wide variety of computer systems, such as:
  • Linux/Unix operating systems
  • Software application development experience
  • Hardware programming experience
  • Have skills in offensive or defensive cyber (e.g. experience from university cybersecurity competitions such as Capture the Flags, Hackathons, Clubs, etc.).
  • Have an active security clearance.

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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