Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Signal Processing/Communications Theory Engineer

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
  • Theoretical knowledge in probability theory, statistics, linear algebra, algorithm design, signal processing, and more
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for algorithm development
  • Proficient analytical skills
  • Effective communication of ideas and results
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance and U.S. citizenship

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to the development of distributed air and missile defense systems
  • Model, analyze, and study performance of current systems and propose improvements
  • Develop new algorithms and concepts
  • Provide status updates and analysis results in written reports and presentations
  • Engage in technical challenges related to sensor data processing and system design
  • Work within a growth-oriented team

Benefits

  • Robust education assistance program
  • Unparalleled retirement contributions
  • Healthy work/life balance
  • Encouraging a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere
  • Focus on personal and professional growth opportunities
Full Job Description
Description

Are you looking for exciting opportunities to help determine how to best defend the United States, our armed forces, and our allies from all forms of air and missile threats?

We are seeking talented graduates to join our Networked Systems and Integrated Fires Group to conduct algorithm development, modeling and analysis for air and missile defense. You would become a part of the team that works on a wide range of exciting technical challenges involving sensor data processing, target tracking, multi-sensor data fusion, communications and networking, and system-of-systems design that encompasses sensors, networks, combat systems and weapons, all with the goal of developing groundbreaking solutions for distributed warfare theatres.

You will use math, engineering, physics and software skills to model, analyze and improve existing and prototype new air and missile defense systems and concepts. As you do so, you will broaden and deepen your technical knowledge and make contributions to important national security missions.

As a member of our team...
  • Your primary responsibility will be contributing to the development of distributed air and missile defense systems
  • You will model, analyze, and study performance of current systems, identify opportunities for improvements, and propose and develop new algorithms and concepts
  • You will provide status updates, analysis results and algorithms in written reports and in presentations
  • You will be a part of a group with many possibilities for growth and advancement

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
  • Have a theoretical knowledge and coursework in some of the following: probability theory, statistics, linear algebra, algorithm design, signal processing, time-frequency analysis, communications theory, electromagnetic theory, machine learning
  • Have experience using MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for algorithm development, modeling and simulation
  • Have proficient analytical skills
  • Can effectively communicate ideas and results
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have practical experience working with sensors and signals
  • Have a theoretical background in some of the following: adaptive signal processing, detection and estimation theory, information theory, wireless communications, data fusion, optimization theory
  • Have an active Secret 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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