Applied Signal Processing and AI/ML Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

12d

About The Position

Are you an engineer who enjoys turning messy sensor data into actionable information? Have you developed signal processing or AI/ML algorithms and seen them transition from prototypes into usable capabilities? Do you enjoy working on challenging sensing problems while collaborating closely with application experts? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. As an applied signal processing and AI/ML engineer, you will apply your expertise to develop, prototype, integrate, and transition advanced AI/ML and signal processing capabilities for maritime acoustic, RF, and communications sensing systems. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, software developers, and applied scientists, you will help deliver solutions that improve the performance of operational and next-generation sensing platforms. You will collaborate with application subject matter experts, external partners, and sponsors to ensure technical solutions address real-world operational needs. Our team values creativity, collaboration, technical expertise, mission impact, and bold ideas and execution.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience developing signal processing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or information processing algorithms for sensor-based systems.
• Experience working with real-world sensing data such as acoustic, RF, radar, communications, EO/IR, electronic warfare, or other physical sensing modalities.
• Experience developing, testing, and transitioning algorithms into user-facing capabilities.
• Strong software development skills using Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• The ability to obtain Interim 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.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience transitioning advanced analytics, AI/ML, or signal processing capabilities into military operational environments.
• Experience leading small technical teams or serving as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience identifying new technical opportunities, engaging sponsors, and helping shape future programs.
• Experience deploying AI/ML capabilities in resource-constrained, real-time, or operational environments.
• An active Top Secret level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and evaluate AI/ML, signal processing, and information processing solutions for maritime sensing applications.
• Prototype, integrate, test, and transition algorithms into operational software and embedded systems.
• Collaborate with software engineers and domain experts to deploy capabilities in real-world environments.
• Analyze sensor data, assess system performance, and identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness.
• Engage with sponsors, mission users, and stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Contribute to proposal efforts and technical planning for future capabilities.
• Mentor junior staff and foster technical excellence across the team.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and assess their applicability to maritime sensing challenges.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level