Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, United States, 20724
Overview
Join to apply for the 2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Responsibilities
Have the opportunity to conduct cutting edge seeker and sensor research, design, modeling, simulation and analysis while collaborating with adjacent technical domains in the development of next generation autonomous systems and weapons. Develop innovative ways of simulating and predicting seeker and sensor performance in complex operational environments. Lab test seeker and sensor hardware and software to identify operational capabilities and limitations. Work closely with seeker and sensor subject matter experts who will train and mentor you on your path to attaining deeper technical knowledge and experience. Collaborate with our teams of engineers and interact with government sponsors, including platform designers in multi-disciplinary optimization studies for early phase vehicle development. Have the opportunity to continue your education through a variety of educational opportunities such as technical short courses, graduate degree programs, and many more. Qualifications
Have a PhD in an Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics. Are passionate about creative problem solving and applying your skills to the design and development of our nation’s next generation weapons and autonomous systems. Have academic background and interest in one or more of the technical areas listed above. Have conducted research; completed one or more internships; and/or possess practical skills in RF, EO/IR or related fields. Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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. Desirable extras
Have classroom, project or internship experience working with seekers, sensors and/or autonomous systems. Have familiarity with complimentary disciplines such as modeling, simulation and analysis; design optimization; software or algorithm development; and hardware testing. About Us
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We celebrate a culture that values authentic collaboration, growth, and strong teammate connections. APL offers generous benefits, including education assistance, retirement contributions, and 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, marital or familial status, political opinion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Compensation
Base pay range: $102,500.00/yr - $227,500.00/yr. This range is provided by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Job details
Seniority level: Internship Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
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Join to apply for the 2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Seeker and Sensor Engineer role at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Responsibilities
Have the opportunity to conduct cutting edge seeker and sensor research, design, modeling, simulation and analysis while collaborating with adjacent technical domains in the development of next generation autonomous systems and weapons. Develop innovative ways of simulating and predicting seeker and sensor performance in complex operational environments. Lab test seeker and sensor hardware and software to identify operational capabilities and limitations. Work closely with seeker and sensor subject matter experts who will train and mentor you on your path to attaining deeper technical knowledge and experience. Collaborate with our teams of engineers and interact with government sponsors, including platform designers in multi-disciplinary optimization studies for early phase vehicle development. Have the opportunity to continue your education through a variety of educational opportunities such as technical short courses, graduate degree programs, and many more. Qualifications
Have a PhD in an Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics. Are passionate about creative problem solving and applying your skills to the design and development of our nation’s next generation weapons and autonomous systems. Have academic background and interest in one or more of the technical areas listed above. Have conducted research; completed one or more internships; and/or possess practical skills in RF, EO/IR or related fields. Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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. Desirable extras
Have classroom, project or internship experience working with seekers, sensors and/or autonomous systems. Have familiarity with complimentary disciplines such as modeling, simulation and analysis; design optimization; software or algorithm development; and hardware testing. About Us
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We celebrate a culture that values authentic collaboration, growth, and strong teammate connections. APL offers generous benefits, including education assistance, retirement contributions, and 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, marital or familial status, political opinion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Compensation
Base pay range: $102,500.00/yr - $227,500.00/yr. This range is provided by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Job details
Seniority level: Internship Employment type: Full-time Job function: Other Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr