Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2027 BS/MS Rotational Discovery Program

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

Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; able to provide transcripts.
  • Strong technical experience from internships, research, or projects.
  • Demonstrated initiative in technical projects and extracurricular activities.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with strong communication skills.
  • Quickly adapt and contribute to new technical areas.
  • Interest in complex engineering, analytical, or research problems related to U.S. government challenges.
  • Eligibility for a security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute to diverse projects, applying a wide range of skills.
  • Collaborate with technical experts for impactful results.
  • Engage in targeted training and mentorship for career development.
  • Lead an Innovation Challenge Project to design and pitch solutions.
  • Explore multiple technical disciplines and areas throughout the program.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for technical and professional development through training and mentorship.
  • Participation in a unique two-year rotational program with hands-on experience.
  • Exposure to critical national security projects and initiatives.
  • Collaboration with leading experts in various technical fields.
Full Job Description
Description

Do you love to solve complex engineering, analytical, or research problems?

Are you interested in exploring different domains such as air and missile defense, undersea warfare, cyber operations, and national security analysis?

If you are a recent or soon-to-be graduate with a BS or MS in a STEM field and a desire to make critical contributions to critical challenges, we'd love to have you join our team!

We are seeking talented and highly motivated early career technical staff members to join the Discovery Program, APL's two-year rotational program. The program offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable experience across multiple technical areas. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills while exploring a breadth of professional interests. You will apply innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges, collaborate with experts, and develop a strong foundation for your career.

Selected candidates must have the ability to begin the Discovery Program between May and July 2027. Specific start dates will be coordinated based on degree completion, organizational needs, and onboarding schedules.

As a member of the Discovery Program, you will...
  • Contribute to a diverse set of projects, employing and honing a wide range of skills to meet unique mission needs.
  • Collaborate with technical experts to drive impact.
  • Accelerate your technical and professional development through targeted training, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
  • Innovate through a dedicated Innovation Challenge Project, where you'll design and pitch a solution to a complex technical problem.

Common disciplines and example technical areas:
  • Electrical Engineering
    • signal processing, telecommunications, control systems, RF and electromagnetics, electrical systems, instrumentation
  • Computer Science/Computer Engineering
    • software engineering, hardware engineering, cybersecurity, networking, data science, modeling and simulation, embedded systems, artificial intelligence
  • Mathematics
    • statistics, data science, data analysis, modeling and simulation, numerical analysis, algorithm development, operations research
  • Physics
    • data analysis, algorithm development, optics and photonics, environmental physics, experimental physics
  • Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering
    • modeling and simulation, mechanical design, thermodynamics and heat transfer, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, mechatronics, dynamics and controls
  • Systems Engineering
    • software engineering, digital engineering, model-based systems engineering, modeling and simulation

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a B.S. or M.S. in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and are able to provide unofficial or official transcripts during the application process.
  • Have strong technical experience, as proven through demonstrated impact in at least one internship, research experience, and/or project outside of the classroom.
  • Have demonstrated initiative that has enabled excellence in technical projects, professional experiences, and/or extracurricular activities.
  • Thrive in a collaborative team environment with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Have demonstrated the ability to quickly contribute to projects in technical areas that are new to you.
  • Are interested in solving complex research, engineering, and/or analytical problems that present critical challenges to U.S. government agencies including the Department of War.
  • Are comfortable conducting work in support of the Department of War, including offensive military systems.
  • Are able to acquire an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a 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 engaged in multiple internships, research experiences, or projects outside of the classroom.
  • Have leadership experience.


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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