Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 Graduate - Wireless Communications and Networked Systems Engineer

Telecommunications & Hardware
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
  • Knowledge of digital signal processing, physics, and communication theory; proficiency in programming C/C++, C#, Java, and scripting with MATLAB, Python.
  • Ability to work well in small, multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Eligibility for an Interim Top Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Responsibilities

  • Design adaptive communication systems for unique and dynamic environments.
  • Orchestrate and analyze resilient networks in unconventional domains.
  • Engage with sponsors to understand and address complex problems.
  • Research and apply new technologies to mitigate evolving threats.
  • Work with diverse technologies, including RF, optical links, and software defined radio.

Benefits

  • Generous education assistance program.
  • Unparalleled retirement contributions.
  • Healthy work/life balance.
  • Inclusive and welcoming workplace culture.
Full Job Description
Description

Are you passionate about solving real-word problems?

Do you want to learn about unique special operations missions?

Do you love working collaboratively to tackle exciting and interesting problems?

If you are graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering and are curious about wireless and wired communications, we'd love to have you join our multidisciplinary team!

You may be interested if you enjoyed, but not limited to the following courses: Signals and Systems, Distributed Programming, Digital Signal Processing, or any comms theory class.

We seek talented graduates who can work with a multidisciplinary team to deliver impactful capabilities for the special operations and intelligence communities. Our team of engineers and scientists fosters a collaborative work environment to solve sophisticated problems and develop end-to-end communications systems.

As a member of our team, you will learn to...
  • Design communication systems that adapt to unique and dynamic operational environments.
  • Orchestrate and analyze resilient networks spanning unconventional domains.
  • Work with technologies that may include, wired, wireless (RF & optical) links, line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS)/Satellite communication links, IP networking, RF systems, protocols, software defined radio (SDR), 5G (and beyond) cellular.
  • Have the opportunity to engage with sponsors to understand and tackle their toughest problems.
  • Research, advance, and apply new technologies to address evolving threats.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or Computer Science.
  • Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of digital signal processing, physics, and communication theory; programming in C/C++, C#, or Java, and scripting with MATLAB, Python, or other languages.
  • Work effectively in small, multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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...
  • Have classroom or professional work experience with software defined radios and/or operational communication systems.
  • Have a background in software development for network orchestration and/or signal processing
  • Knowledge of networking protocols and technologies and how they interact with other systems, or communication systems across the PHY/MAC layers.
  • Hold an active Top Secret or 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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