Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Software Developer - Tactical System Prototyping and Deployment

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Experience in complex software development, including object-oriented programming, database design, signal processing, AI, machine learning, and data visualization.
  • Ability to travel and work at military facilities, including U.S. Navy ships and aircraft outside normal hours.
  • Eligibility for Interim Secret security clearance and eventual final Secret clearance; must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

  • Research and develop innovative solutions for military operational challenges as part of an established team.
  • Design systems and implement software prototypes across various engineering fields.
  • Evaluate prototypes and support experimental operations at military and government facilities.

Benefits

  • Robust education assistance program to support professional development.
  • Exceptional retirement contributions for future financial stability.
  • Commitment to work/life balance, ensuring employee well-being.
Full Job Description
Description

Do you have an interest in developing software for new warfighter capabilities. Are you passionate about using innovation and technology to solve technical challenges?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics or, Electrical Engineering and want to work as a software developer or software engineer, we'd love to have you join our close-knit prototyping team! We build capabilities that enable warfighters to harness different set of sensors and data sources to accomplish a variety of missions that are important to the defense of our nation.

Our team is committed to working directly with warfighters to craft solutions from concept to operational use. We strive to foster an environment that is highly collaborative and supportive, but also encourages autonomy. Our team values are putting the warfighter and their missions first, accepting that you might not get it right the first time, but being resolved to see it through, and being dedicated to making real impact.

As a Software Development Engineer, you will...
  • Research and develop concepts to solve unaddressed, critical military operational shortfalls as a member of an established team that has fielded numerous highly regarded capabilities. Subject areas differ widely over time, but our current projects focus on improving the exploitation of airborne and ground based sensor data through object tracking, multi-sensor correlation, data management, and operational data display as well as on intelligent networks, resilient autonomy, and non-kinetic warfare integration.
  • Perform system design and software implementation of proof-of-concept prototypes incorporating several engineering fields: software development, signal/video processing, artificial intelligence, real-time computing, applied mathematics, network/web services, and visualization.
  • Support prototype evaluation, experimental operations at military facilities, and transitions of capabilities to government or industry.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • Completed coursework or internships involving complex software development, particularly in the areas of object oriented programming, database design, signal processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualization, and user interfaces.
  • Can occasionally travel and work at government and military facilities, including underway on US Navy ships and aircraft requiring work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a final Secret level security 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...
  • Knowledge of C++, Java, or Typescript in a Linux/Unix environment.
  • Desire to build computer science/software development expertise to address emerging challenges.
  • Interest and initiative to grow into a leadership position.

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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