Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 PhD Graduate - Next Gen RF Signal Processing/Sensing

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $245K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in electrical engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field.
  • Knowledgeable in simulating or analyzing radio frequency electromagnetic signals, environments, or sensors.
  • Proficient in MATLAB, C++, or Python programming.
  • Strong written and oral presentation skills.
  • Willing to travel up to 15% of the time as needed.
  • Must obtain a Secret clearance and be eligible for a higher clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

  • Derive requirements and perform trade studies for advanced sensor systems.
  • Analyze performance of next-generation sensor systems.
  • Develop and implement high-fidelity physics-based simulations of sensors.
  • Test and verify simulations against real-world conditions.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenges in air and missile defense.
  • Engage with sponsors and contractors as the representative for APL.

Benefits

  • Creative and collaborative work environment.
  • Opportunities to tackle missile defense challenges.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge sensor technology.
  • Access to dedicated teams focused on sophisticated solutions.
Full Job Description
Description

Do you love solving crucial, real-world problems related to sensor systems?

Are you a curious and active learner who just want to know why?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team!

We are seeking a PhD physicist, mathematician or engineer to help us develop algorithms and assess the performance of the next generation of radio frequency sensor systems for land, air, and sea-launched interceptors. You'll influence the development of powerful sensor algorithms. Dedicated teams have opportunities to tackle vital missile defense challenges. We strive to cultivate an environment of creativity and collaboration and value finding sophisticated solutions to hard problems.

As a sensor and signal processing engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to derive requirements, perform trade studies, and analyze the performance of advanced sensor systems.
  • You will develop, implement, test and verify high-fidelity, physics-based simulations of sensors and environments.
  • You will act as APL's representative with sponsors and contractors and will collaborate with multidisciplined teams to solve difficult problems in air and missile defense

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a PhD in electrical engineering, applied math, physics, computer science, or a related field.
  • Are knowledgeable or have research in one or more of the following: simulating or analyzing radio frequency electromagnetic signals, environments or sensors
  • Are proficient in one or more of the following programming languages: MATLAB, C++, or Python.
  • Have practiced written and oral presentation skills
  • Have the willingness to travel up to 15% of the time as needed.
  • Are able to obtain a Secret clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain clearance beyond Top Secret. 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 with radar or missile systems

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 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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