Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Space Systems Scientist/Engineer - Space Algorithms and Technologies

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Sciences or related field
  • Familiarity with technologies or algorithms for space control applications
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for sponsor locations
  • Eligible to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance and ultimately TS/SCI level clearance
  • U.S. citizenship required for security clearance eligibility

Responsibilities

  • Research, design, develop, and test space components
  • Characterize the performance of existing and proposed space systems and sensors
  • Develop algorithms to enhance and evaluate space systems' performance
  • Engage in independent and collaborative projects within a multidisciplinary team
  • Leverage programming and modeling skills in applied space projects

Benefits

  • Work-life balance within a challenging work environment
  • Opportunity to work with a dedicated team of skilled colleagues
  • Access to a photonics lab for sensor hardware development
  • Involvement in innovative space technology projects
  • Potential for career growth and development in a cutting-edge field
Full Job Description
Are you interested in changing science fiction into reality for our national security in space?
Are you passionate about learning about the latest technologies or algorithms and finding new ways to use them?
Do you want to work with brilliant colleagues on challenging problems while still having work-life balance?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Sciences or a related technical field, we'd love to have you join our group!

We are seeking a driven engineer, mathematician, or scientist to help us continue designing, developing and assessing the various space technologies and algorithms. You'll be joining a hardworking team who balances independent work and team work on a variety of space-based projects. Our group maintains proficiencies in photonics, signatures, advanced technology applications, orbital engagements, space control concept assessment, autonomous operations, multi-disciplinary optimization, and space kill web capability development.

As a member of APL's Space Algorithms and Technologies Group, your duties could include:
  • Researching, designing, developing, and testing space components
  • Characterizing the performance of current, proposed and future space systems, sensors (EO/IR, radar, etc.) and constellations.
  • Developing algorithms to improve and assess performance of space systems.

Our multidisplinary staff heavily leverages programming and modeling skills. We also run a photonics lab where we develop sensor hardware for spacecraft payloads.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Sciences or a related technical field
  • Are skilled in technologies or algorithms related to space control applications
  • Are willing and able to occasionally travel to sponsor locations
  • Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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 experience adapting new technologies or algorithms to space-based applications
  • Have prior work experience in the space industry
  • Have an active TS/SCI 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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