2026 Graduate – Engineer/Physicist/Computer Scientist - Weapon Control

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

9h • $85,000 - $165,000

About The Position

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? Are you passionate about using innovation and advanced technologies to solve technical challenges?
If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees and want to work in an exciting and collaborative environment to solve challenging technical national security problems, we'd like you to join our team.
We are seeking innovative and highly talented technical graduates to join our Weapon Control Concepts Development Group which specializes in advanced research and program of record activities for rapid prototype developments.
In particular, you will conduct modeling and simulation analysis, identify defensive systems gaps, and develop new system concepts to revolutionize defensive capabilities for the U.S.A. You will apply math, engineering, computer science, and physics knowledge to implement new distributed algorithms, advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) techniques, object tracking and discrimination, data fusion concepts, etc. in support of a wide variety of U.S. Navy, Missile Defense, and Air Force systems.
As a member of our team...
You will conduct research and development activities related to U.S. Missile Defense systems.
You will assist in the development, testing, and analysis of new concepts related to weapon control systems.
You will implement algorithms and design modeling and simulation components of systems.
You will develop AI/ML-based concepts and technical solutions to solve challenging problems.
You will apply novel data fusion and tracking concepts for object tracking and discrimination applications.
You will utilize advanced programming languages to develop and test technical solutions.
You will develop prototype capabilities and work with real-world systems to transition ideas to fielded systems.
You will effectively communicate technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community.
You will contribute to a dynamic group culture to uphold core values through participation in collaborative teams and activities, as well as a dedication to continual improvement, innovation and risk-taking, and developing high quality products.

Requirements

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or similar degrees.
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of programming skills in MATLAB, C++, C, Python, etc.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain 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.

Nice To Haves

• Have familiarity with AI/ML concepts and MLOps workflows.
• Have domain knowledge of Navy, Missile Defense Agency, or Air Force systems.
• Have a final Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development activities related to U.S. Missile Defense systems.
• Assist in the development, testing, and analysis of new concepts related to weapon control systems.
• Implement algorithms and design modeling and simulation components of systems.
• Develop AI/ML-based concepts and technical solutions to solve challenging problems.
• Apply novel data fusion and tracking concepts for object tracking and discrimination applications.
• Utilize advanced programming languages to develop and test technical solutions.
• Develop prototype capabilities and work with real-world systems to transition ideas to fielded systems.
• Effectively communicate technical recommendations to APL leadership, government sponsors, and the engineering community.
• Contribute to a dynamic group culture to uphold core values through participation in collaborative teams and activities, as well as a dedication to continual improvement, innovation and risk-taking, and developing high quality products.

Benefits

• 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.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees