2027 Graduate - Engineering/Science - Signals Exploitation Systems

Are you passionate about solving some of our nation's most challenging RF sensing and signal intelligence problems?

Are you looking for meaningful work with an employer that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous professional growth?

Do you enjoy transforming complex electromagnetic signals into actionable intelligence through advanced algorithms and signal processing?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

If you are graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline and have an interest in RF signals, digital signal processing, and algorithm development, we'd love to have you join the Signals Exploitation Systems team!

We are seeking engineers to develop advanced RF signal exploitation capabilities that enable our nation's defense and intelligence communities to understand, detect, classify, and characterize complex electromagnetic environments. You will develop signal processing algorithms, analyze RF waveforms, build software tools, and transition innovative concepts into operational capabilities supporting challenging national security missions. Working alongside multidisciplinary teams of engineers, mathematicians, and scientists, you will rapidly prototype new techniques and mature them into fielded solutions.

As a member of the team, you will...

• Work with defense and intelligence sponsors to understand challenging RF sensing and signal exploitation problems.
• Analyze real-world RF signals and waveforms to identify signal characteristics, protocols, emitter behavior, and operational insights.
• Design, implement, and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms for detection, classification, geolocation, demodulation, and signal characterization.
• Develop and optimize signal processing software using MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for real-time and offline analysis.
• Perform algorithm performance assessments using measured and simulated datasets, validating techniques across a variety of operational environments.
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, embedded software, and systems engineers to transition algorithms into deployable systems.
• Research emerging RF technologies and develop innovative approaches to solve evolving electromagnetic sensing challenges.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Coursework or experience in Digital Signal Processing, communications, RF engineering, or statistical signal analysis.
• Experience programming in MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• Strong analytical and mathematical problem-solving skills.
• Are able to obtain Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Top 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:

• Experience with RF signal analysis, spectrum analysis, waveform characterization, or communications signal processing.
• Knowledge of digital communications, modulation schemes, wireless protocols, or electronic warfare concepts.
• Experience developing detection, estimation, classification, tracking, or geolocation algorithms.
• Familiarity with software-defined radios (SDRs), RF test equipment, or signal collection systems.
• Experience with machine learning applied to RF signals or signal classification.
• Knowledge of FPGA acceleration, GPU computing, or real-time DSP implementations.
• Experience using Python scientific libraries (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch), MATLAB Signal Processing Toolbox, or GNU Radio.
• Interest in RF signal exploitation, digital signal processing, algorithm development, electronic warfare, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and advanced electromagnetic sensing.

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.