2025 PhD Graduate – Signal Processing / Communications and Networking Scientist

Are you looking for exciting opportunities to help determine how to best defend the United States, our armed forces, and our allies from all forms of air and missile threats?

We are seeking talented and innovative graduates to join our Networked Systems and Integrated Fires Group to conduct algorithm development, modeling and analysis for air and missile defense. You would become a part of the team that works on a wide range of exciting technical challenges involving sensor data processing, target tracking, multi-sensor data fusion, communications and networking, and system-of-systems design that encompasses sensors, networks, combat systems and weapons, all with the goal of developing groundbreaking solutions for distributed warfare theatres.

You will use math, engineering, physics and software expertise to model, analyze and improve existing and prototype new air and missile defense systems and concepts. As you do so, you will broaden and deepen your technical knowledge and make contributions to important national security missions.

As a member of our team...

• Your primary responsibility will be contributing to the development of distributed air and missile defense systems
• You will model, analyze, and study performance of current systems, identify opportunities for improvements, and propose and develop new algorithms and concepts
• You will document technical results and communicate your findings and recommendations to APL staff, contractors and sponsors. You will write reports and algorithm descriptions and present analysis results, and status updates.
• You will be a part of dynamic and collaborative group with many possibilities for growth and advancement
• You will contribute to and lead cross organization team efforts, influence solutions, and continually learn from those around you as part of a mutually supportive team of scientists, engineers, analysts, and software system developers

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field
• Have background in one or more of the following broad research areas and related subspecialties:
• signal processing (adaptive signal processing, statistical signal processing, image processing, radar signal processing, etc.)
• communications theory (wireless communications, satellite communications, communications networks, etc.)
• nonlinear optimization (optimization theory, information theory, machine learning, etc.)
• Have experience using MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C for algorithm development, modeling and simulation
• Can clearly communicate ideas and results
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and a final Secret clearance after you start. 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 practical experience working with radio frequency (RF) and/or infrared (IR) sensors and signals
• Have an active Secret security clearance
• Have peer-reviewed publication history

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity of perspectives, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Salary : $90,000 - $230,000