2027 Graduate - Systems & Software Engineer - Multi-Domain Mission Planning Development

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a 2027 graduate who will help shape the future of national defense by solving complex, real-world challenges. The engineer will work on advanced mission planning capabilities that help military planners evaluate options, optimize system performance, and make informed decisions in complex operational environments. The work spans multiple mission areas including Ballistic Missile Defense, Air Warfare, Hypersonic Defense, and emerging multi-domain operations. It combines modern software engineering, modeling and simulation, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, and operational analysis to deliver capabilities that support national security.

Requirements

Earned or will earn a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
Experience through coursework, research, internships, personal projects, or extracurricular activities in one or more of the following: Software development using C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript; Modeling, simulation, systems analysis, or algorithm development using MATLAB, Python, or similar technical computing tools.
Enjoy solving challenging technical problems and learning new technologies.
Work well both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Communicate technical ideas clearly in both written and verbal form.
Interested in learning from military operators and understanding how engineering solutions support real-world missions.
Able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Secret security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree in a relevant engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physics discipline.
Experience developing software in C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
Experience with modeling and simulation, optimization, operations research, or systems analysis.
Experience applying artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to engineering or analytical problems.
Familiarity with Linux, Git, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, cloud technologies, or DevSecOps practices.
Experience conducting research, capstone projects, undergraduate or graduate research, or open-source software development.
Leadership experience on academic, research, or extracurricular technical teams.
Previous internship or co-op experience applying engineering or software development skills to real-world problems.
An active Final Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain software for advanced mission planning and decision-support applications.
Apply software engineering, systems engineering, modeling and simulation, data analysis, or artificial intelligence techniques to solve complex operational challenges.
Develop and evaluate algorithms that improve mission planning, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.
Build secure software using modern engineering practices, including DevSecOps, automated testing, and containerized development environments.
Conduct engineering studies that evaluate the capabilities and limitations of current and future defense systems.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition research into operational capabilities.
Learn from experienced mentors while contributing to meaningful projects from your first day.
Engage with military operators and mission experts to better understand operational challenges and translate user needs into technical solutions.