2026 Graduate - Cybersecurity Engineer - Constrained Cyber Solutions

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field. The position focuses on developing innovative and sophisticated cyber capabilities to defend US constrained military and space systems. The team builds novel solutions for US Government sponsor agencies, tackling complex technical challenges at the intersection of software, hardware, and cyber operations. Collaboration with industry, academia, and government is key to studying, designing, developing, implementing, and testing cyber capabilities for various platforms and systems. The culture values creativity, collaboration, open exchange of ideas, learning, experimenting, and professional growth.

Requirements

Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Space Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field.
Experience with at least one of the following: Python, Rust, VHDL, Verilog, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, or another popular programming language.
An educational background or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following categories: Advanced Cryptography (algorithm development, understanding of current cryptographic approaches, implementing cryptographic algorithms using languages such as C, C++, and Python), RF-Enabled Cyber (RF networking and communications experience or background), Embedded Solutions (Low-level programming in C, C++, or Rust; FGPA development skills; or analog circuit design experience), Offensive Security (cyber vulnerability assessment or reverse engineering of either hardware or software systems), or Space Cybersecurity (space vehicle design, emulation, or familiarity with flight software development).
Able to obtain a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance.
Must meet the requirements for access to classified information.
U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.

Nice To Haves

Previous relevant experience in internships, professional roles, or personal work in the categories listed under the minimum requirements.
Skills working with a wide variety of computer systems, such as: Linux/Unix operating systems, software application development experience, hardware programming experience.
Skills in offensive or defensive cyber (e.g. experience from university cybersecurity competitions such as Capture the Flags, Hackathons, Clubs, etc.).
An active security clearance.

Responsibilities

Work on state-of-the-art areas of research and development such as Advanced Cryptography, RF-Enabled Cyber, Embedded Solutions, Offensive Security, and Space Cybersecurity.
Research, develop, and operationalize novel encryption methodologies.
Apply radio frequency (RF) and cyber concepts for capability development, integration, test, and evaluation.
Apply hardware design and engineering for constrained system cyber use cases.
Analyze potential cyber vulnerabilities in systems and understand their mission impact.
Research and grow space system cybersecurity methods and capabilities for system resilience and cyber advantage.
Research capability gaps in current platforms and build solutions as part of a team with a variety of STEM-related backgrounds.
Work alongside cyber and engineering professionals to solve challenges vital to national security.
Gain experience giving technical briefings and presentations.
Have access to internal funding opportunities to craft the direction of future research.