2027 Graduate - Algorithm Development Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Algorithm Development Engineer develops, implements, tests, and evaluates signal processing, data analysis, and machine learning algorithms for maritime and national security applications. The role works with real-world sensor, imagery, or network data to uncover patterns, extract features, and transform data into actionable information. Example applications include submarine detection, analysis of IP network traffic to identify anomalous activity, and deep learning classification of objects in sidescan sonar imagery. The engineer develops software tools and analysis workflows, primarily using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++, to process data, conduct experiments, and evaluate algorithm performance. The position involves collaboration with engineers, scientists, and operational experts to address technical issues and transition capabilities into operational use. The engineer documents technical approaches, software, experiments, and performance through reports, presentations, and technical discussions with colleagues and sponsors. The role is intended for a 2027 graduate with a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics/statistics, physics, or a related field.
Demonstrated programming experience in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or a similar language.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in small project teams.
Foundation in relevant mathematical and computational concepts, such as linear algebra, probability, statistics, numerical methods, or digital signal processing.
Experience applying programming and analytical skills to technical problems, including developing algorithms, analyzing data, or evaluating computational outputs.
Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately acquire a Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility to access classified information.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing and evaluating signal processing or machine learning algorithms using real-world or simulated data.
Knowledge of IP networking concepts and protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, DNS, and routing, and experience analyzing network traffic, packet captures (PCAP), or network performance.
Experience using Wireshark, Arkime, or Elasticsearch.
Familiarity with signal processing concepts such as sampling theory, Fourier transforms, digital filtering, spectral analysis, or time-frequency representations.
Experience with statistical analysis, feature extraction, classification, regression, or methods such as random forests, support vector machines, or neural networks.
Experience using deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow, particularly for image, audio, time-series, or other sensor data.
Experience applying software development practices and tools such as Git, unit testing, debugging, or development in Linux environments.
Experience leading project teams to accomplish a technical objective.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, test, and evaluate signal processing, data analysis, and machine learning algorithms for maritime and national security applications.
Analyze real-world sensor, imagery, or network data to uncover patterns, extract meaningful features, and develop algorithms that produce actionable information.
Develop software tools and analysis workflows, primarily using Python, MATLAB, or C/C++, to process data, conduct experiments, and evaluate algorithm performance.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, and operational experts to resolve technical issues and transition capabilities into operational use.
Document technical approaches, software, experiments, and algorithm performance in written reports, presentations, and technical discussions with colleagues and sponsors.