2027 Graduate - Cybersecurity Engineer - Constrained Cyber Solutions

Do you love to push the bounds of science and technology while solving some of the most important problems facing our Nation?

Are you searching for meaningful work developing innovative and sophisticated cyber capabilities?

If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field, and want to contribute to cyber solutions that defend constrained U.S. military and space systems, we'd love to have you join the our team!

We are seeking computer scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to help us build novel solutions for multiple U.S. Government sponsors. Together, we solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of software, hardware, and cyber operations. Our team works collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to study, compose, develop, implement, and test cyber capabilities applied to air, space, afloat, ground, and undersea platforms and systems. We value creativity, collaboration, and the open exchange of ideas, and we believe in learning, experimenting, and professional growth.

As a member of our team, the primary responsibilities will include contributing to areas of research and development such as:

• • Advanced Cryptography:Research, develop, and transition novel cryptographic technologies into mission-relevant capabilities.
  • Embedded Solutions:Develop low-level software, firmware, FPGA logic, and low-SWaP cyber capabilities for constrained platforms and protocols, including prototype development and performance optimization.
  • Offensive Security:Analyze potential cyber vulnerabilities in hardware and software systems and assess their mission impact.
  • Cyber Mission Engineering and Operationalization: Work with mission and domain experts to help ensure developed capabilities are integrated, validated, and operationalized within larger operational systems.
  • Constrained Cyber Integration, Test, Evaluation, and Deployment:Design network and physical testbeds, virtualized ranges, and evaluation workflows to rapidly integrate, test, evaluate, validate, and support deployment of cyber capabilities in constrained mission environments.
• You will research capability gaps in current platforms and build solutions as part of a team with a variety of STEM-related backgrounds (systems engineering, software, hardware, physics, mathematics).
• You will work alongside highly-skilled cyber and engineering professionals to solve challenges vital to national security.
• You'll gain experience giving technical briefings and presentations.
• You will have access to internal funding opportunities to craft the direction of future research.

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

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
• Have experience in one or more of the following: Python, Rust, VHDL, Verilog, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, or another popular programming language.
• Have an educational background, research, project experience, or demonstrated curiosity in at least one of the following categories:
  • Advanced Cryptography:Algorithm development, applied mathematics, cryptography, or current cryptographic approaches. Experience implementing cryptographic algorithms using languages such as C, C++, or Python is a plus.
  • Embedded Solutions:Low-level programming in C, C++, or Rust; firmware development; FPGA development using VHDL or Verilog; embedded systems; analog or digital circuit design; constrained protocols; or low-SWaP system design and optimization.
  • Offensive Security:Cyber vulnerability assessment, red teaming, penetration testing, exploit development, or reverse engineering of hardware or software systems.
  • Cyber Mission Engineering and Operationalization:Systems engineering, requirements decomposition, mission analysis, integration, verification and validation, or operationally focused technical problem solving.
  • Constrained Cyber Integration, Test, Evaluation, and Deployment:Building network testbeds, virtualized ranges, automated test workflows, or evaluation environments to assess cyber capabilities.
  • Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a 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 an active security clearance.
• Have previous relevant experience in internships, professional roles, or personal work in the categories listed under the minimum requirements.
• Have coursework, internship, research, project, or demonstrated experience with computer networking concepts such as TCP/IP, sockets, packet capture, and protocol analysis, network configuration, routing, switching, or virtual networks.
• Have skills working with a wide variety of technologies, such as:
  • Linux familiarity.
  • Experience with modern cybersecurity tools, including network and protocol analysis, firmware analysis, and embedded system security.
  • Software application development experience.
  • Hardware programming experience.
  • Skills in offensive or defensive cyber, including experience from university cybersecurity competitions such as Capture the Flag, hackathons, cyber clubs, or similar activities.

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 athttps://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 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 contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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.