Electromagnetic Computational Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

79d • $100,000 - $227,500

About The Position

We are seeking a computational physics researcher to contribute to ongoing projects and help grow new areas of research. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and apply computational models and simulations to design novel electromagnetic devices-including RF/optical metasurfaces, integrated photonics, and quantum computing hardware. We value scientific excellence, continuous learning, and open collaboration in order to tackle high-risk, high-reward ideas. Your work will help drive research from simulation and fabrication to characterization and real-world deployment. Opportunities for professional growth and mentorship are strongly supported.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, or a related field with at least one year of experience.
• Proficient in programming languages such as MATLAB or Python, as well as related packages for plotting and data handling.
• Foundational understanding of electromagnetics and optics.
• Experience building physics-based simulations.
• Self-motivated, eager to learn, and excited to solve challenging problems with real-world impact.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in a team-based research environment.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date, and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Hold a Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in electromagnetics or optics, especially as related to devices such as metasurfaces, sensors, and integrated photonics.
• Foundational understanding of electronics, materials science, and device physics.
• Experience using full-wave electromagnetic simulation software such as CST, HFSS, Lumerical, or MEEP/MPB, or multiphysics software such as COMSOL.
• Implemented advanced optimization algorithms (e.g., inverse design, adjoint optimization, machine learning-driven design) or developed custom numerical methods (e.g., PDE solvers).
• Experience working in high-performance computing (HPC) environments and developing scripted workflows for simulation or design automation.
• Experience designing chip layouts or preparing masks for fabricating circuits or nanostructures.
• Laboratory experience, including fabrication, test setup construction, and characterization.
• Contributed to technical publications, conference presentations, or research proposals.

Responsibilities

• Develop custom numerical models, create optimization algorithms, and/or use commercial tools to predict complex phenomena and design advanced devices.
• Work closely with engineers and experimentalists to build prototypes and validate models against experimental data.
• Develop design methodologies that leverage emerging fabrication technologies such as grayscale lithography and additive manufacturing.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and underlying physical phenomena.
• Help develop research and development ideas that explore emerging technologies for APL's sponsors.
• Contribute to technical publications, conference presentations, and other forms of research dissemination.

Benefits

• Generous benefits including a robust education assistance program.
• Unparalleled retirement contributions.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees